Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Friday, Saeed Khatibzadeh said Iran does not accept any temporary ceasefire, stressing that “the cycle of conflict must end now and forever.”
He added that “any ceasefire must include all conflict areas from Lebanon to the Red Sea,” describing this as Iran’s “red line.”
He noted that Pakistan’s mediation efforts are aimed at achieving this goal.
Khatibzadeh pointed out that the Strait of Hormuz has historically remained open. While the strategic waterway lies within Iran’s territorial waters, he said, it has always been accessible.
He blamed US-Israeli aggression for destabilizing the region, saying, “Their actions have had a negative impact on global trade and the broader economy.”
Following the US and Israel’s fresh round of aerial strikes on Iran on February 28, Iran retaliated with barrages of missile and drone attacks on Israeli-occupied territories and US bases and interests in the region.
It also declared that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open to only countries that do not side with the enemy. On Friday, Tehran announced that the strait will remain completely open to commercial traffic during the 15-day ceasefire period which started on April 8.
Khatibzadeh, however, stated that Iran remains committed to keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, but under new rules.
“Given the current conditions, new arrangements may be introduced, including in the areas of security, safe passage, and environmental considerations,” he said.
He stressed that “a sustainable resolution of the conflict, coupled with distancing from the US’s maximalist positions, will ensure that the Strait of Hormuz remains a stable route for global trade.”
Heads of state and senior officials from around the world are attending the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, which opened on Friday and runs until April 19, to discuss global challenges and regional tensions.
A high-ranking Pakistani delegation held meetings with Iranian officials on Thursday. According to reports, they carried a message from the US amid attempts to coordinate a second round of talks between Tehran and Washington.
The first round of talks last week ended without a tangible result due to Washington’s excessive demands.
The timing and place of the next round of talks have not been confirmed yet.
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