A ceasefire in Lebanon is expected to come into effect within hours following what sources described as Iranian pressure and intensive Pakistani mediation efforts.
Iranian sources told The New Arab that the agreement remains uncertain and dependent on developments on the ground, warning that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could still derail the deal despite reported understandings with the United States.
According to the sources, the Lebanon file has been central to recent indirect exchanges between Tehran and Washington, conducted through Pakistan.
Iran had linked any new round of negotiations with the US to the implementation of ceasefire terms, particularly halting Israeli attacks on Lebanon.
They said a "breakthrough" on a Lebanon ceasefire helped pave the way for the visit of Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, to Tehran on Wednesday, where he is expected to discuss the framework and agenda for renewed talks.
Munir arrived in the Iranian capital accompanied by a senior political and security delegation.
The sources added that, if Netanyahu does not backtrack, the ceasefire in Lebanon would last for one week and could be extended if Tehran and Washington agree to prolong the truce. An Iranian technical delegation may also travel to Pakistan on Munir’s return.
They further said Iran had conveyed "reservations and dissatisfaction" over the conduct of the US delegation during recent negotiations, accusing it of presenting excessive demands. Munir is believed to be carrying a US message aimed at addressing those concerns, though the outcome of his visit remains unclear.
Tehran has also stressed the need to define the scope of any upcoming negotiations in advance to prevent new issues from being introduced, the sources said, adding that recent exchanges have focused on removing obstacles to restarting talks.
The sources also said Iran had issued a strong warning to Washington via Pakistan, stating it would respond “immediately and forcefully” to any targeting of its ships or oil tankers.