Iran Rejects Limited Ceasefire, Calls for Comprehensive Peace in West Asia

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh, ruled out temporary ceasefires in West Asia, demanding a complete end to hostilities. Accusing the U.S. and Israel of regional unrest, Iran insists on a diplomatic resolution respecting its sovereignty, as U.S. escalates military presence in the region.

Tehran has categorically rejected proposals for temporary ceasefires in West Asia, pushing instead for a complete end to hostilities in the region, according to statements made by Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh, during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. Khatibzadeh stressed any ceasefire must cover all active conflicts 'from Lebanon to the Red Sea,' marking this comprehensive truce as a non-negotiable objective for Iran's government.

He elaborated on the nation's firm position against partial solutions, emphasizing to journalists that the violence must conclude definitively, not with intermittent pauses. On maritime security, he remarked on the critical role of the Strait of Hormuz, situated within Iranian waters but historically kept open for international navigation, making it clear that Iran views any external pressure as a direct challenge to its sovereignty.

Blaming the United States and Israel for escalating regional tensions that threaten global commerce, Khatibzadeh reaffirmed Iran's commitment to a wide-ranging diplomatic effort, dismissing 'piecemeal diplomacy.' Concurrently at the United Nations, Iran's Representative Amir-Saeid Iravani contended that stability in the Strait of Hormuz hinges on respect for Iran's territorial rights, condemning the US's 'naval blockade' as an illegal act violating the UN Charter.

The military situation has intensified, with U.S. forces implementing a large-scale blockade involving significant personnel and equipment, targeting Iran's coastline. U.S. President Donald Trump praised this initiative, although military officials clarified it applies broadly, not specifically to the Strait of Hormuz. Despite these tensions, Iran reiterated its openness to collaborate with regional and global partners to achieve lasting peace, aiming to resolve the crisis sustainably.

(With inputs from agencies.)