Ghalibaf: Iran Committed to Regional Peace, Blames Opponents for Undermining Progress

Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf made these remarks during a meeting in Tehran with General Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan. He stated that the development of all-encompassing relations with neighbors has been and will remain a stable and definitive policy of the Islamic Republic, adding that this issue holds special importance regarding the "friendly and brotherly country of Pakistan" due to the closeness of the two nations and the policies of both governments.

Recalling his bilateral visit to Pakistan last autumn, Ghalibaf expressed that under the current circumstances, the development of economic and political relations, as well as security interactions, must be prioritized more than ever.

The Parliament Speaker also pointed to the Persian New Year message from the Leader of the Revolution, stating that Ayatollah Khamenei gave special attention to the government and nation of Pakistan in this message, expressing gratitude for the Pakistani people's support of Iran.

"The Islamic Republic seeks comprehensive peace for Iran and the entire region," Ghalibaf emphasized. "I hope those who started the war and are now desperately seeking to stop it will truly put an end to their past trust-damaging behaviors in both their deeds and actions."

Ghalibaf expressed appreciation for the efforts of Pakistani officials, including General Asim Munir, to establish a ceasefire and hold talks between Iran and the United States.

He added: "The Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to establish full peace and security in the region, but the opposing side always prevents actions from reaching a conclusion through its bad faith."

Referring to the establishment of a comprehensive ceasefire in all conflict zones as one of the clauses of the initial Pakistan-mediated ceasefire agreement between Iran and the U.S., Ghalibaf reminded the mediator country of the need to monitor the realization of this issue.

"Today, in a conversation with the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, I emphasized that Lebanon is an inseparable part of a comprehensive ceasefire and plays an important role in moving forward toward sustainable peace in the region," he noted.

General Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, expressed his happiness regarding his visit to Tehran and offered condolences for the martyrdom of the late leader of the revolution and the Iranian people. He stated that the martyrdom caused mourning for many Pakistanis and led to gatherings and protests in various cities across Pakistan.

The Pakistani Army Chief pointed to his country's actions since the beginning of the war, stating: "From the very first day, I issued orders that we should not witness any security incidents at all on the borders of Iran and Pakistan."

He emphasized: "I understand the importance of the ceasefire in Lebanon and I am following up on it." General Munir concluded by stating that they are following their efforts and consultations seriously, adding: "I hope to visit you again soon in Islamabad."