Iran hails Islamabad accord as US retreat, calls for regional-led security framework

Ghalibaf says agreement emerged from what he termed Iran’s resilience and national strength rather than external coercion

BAKU/TEHRAN: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-June 24^th, 2026) Iranian Parliament Speaker and senior negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Wednesday described the recent Islamabad agreement between Iran and the United States as a significant diplomatic achievement for Tehran, calling it evidence of Washington's failure to impose its objectives through pressure.

Addressing an international conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, Ghalibaf said the agreement emerged from what he termed Iran’s resilience and national strength rather than external coercion. He argued that the outcome reflected the determination of the Iranian people and the country's armed forces during months of conflict.

According to Ghalibaf, Iran's military resistance and public support imposed substantial political and strategic costs on both the United States and Israel. He maintained that independent nations can no longer be forced to accept foreign dictates and said recent developments had demonstrated the effectiveness of popular resistance under difficult circumstances.

The Iranian speaker also renewed Tehran’s call for a regional security architecture managed exclusively by middle Eastern countries. He said the continued presence of foreign military forces and bases in West Asia contributes to instability and emphasized that Iran favors cooperation, dialogue, and mutual respect among regional states.

Ghalibaf reiterated Iran’s readiness to work with neighboring countries on the basis of non-interference and respect for national sovereignty. He also reaffirmed Tehran’s support for Lebanon, stressing that ending hostilities and securing a lasting ceasefire remain key priorities for Iran. He stated that Tehran would continue standing by its allies despite regional challenges.

Meanwhile, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said there were currently no plans to grant access to facilities affected during the conflict or to nuclear materials. In a statement posted on social media, he said discussions regarding inspections and access would only take place within the framework of a final agreement. He also dismissed attempts to influence negotiations through media pressure.

On the nuclear issue, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said inspections of Iranian nuclear facilities would ultimately move forward under the terms outlined in the recent understanding between Tehran and Washington. Grossi stated that international monitoring remained a central component of any future nuclear arrangements, despite Iranian objections regarding the timing and scope of inspections.

Regional tensions remain elevated as Israel signaled it intends to maintain a military presence in southern Lebanon. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces would not withdraw from the area, arguing that doing so could expose troops to security threats.

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His remarks came despite growing international calls for de-escalation.

China welcomed the Islamabad understanding, describing it as a constructive development. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing supports dialogue and negotiated solutions to regional disputes while opposing the use or threat of force. He added that China backs efforts aimed at strengthening regional stability and improving relations between Iran and its neighbors.

In the Gulf, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss the Iran agreement and broader regional security concerns. According to US officials, the talks focused on ensuring safe maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and maintaining stability across the region. Rubio also reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to the UAE’s security.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi separately held discussions with senior Hamas official Basem Naim, during which the two reviewed recent US-Iran negotiations and developments in Gaza. Iranian officials said Tehran continues to advocate for Palestinian interests and has raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza during diplomatic engagements.

The agreement has also triggered political debate in Washington. US President Donald Trump criticized the Senate after lawmakers approved a resolution seeking to limit military action against Iran. Trump dismissed the vote as symbolic and poorly timed, arguing that his administration had strengthened the US negotiating position with Tehran.

The Senate's decision followed similar action by the House of Representatives, marking a rare bipartisan effort to reassert congressional authority over military engagements. Although legal experts remain divided on the practical impact of the measure, the vote highlighted growing concern among lawmakers regarding future US involvement in the conflict.

Separately, Oman announced the creation of a temporary maritime corridor through the Strait of Hormuz to facilitate commercial shipping. The move was coordinated with international maritime authorities and is intended to safeguard freedom of navigation along one of the world's most critical trade routes. Omani and Iranian officials are also continuing discussions on the long-term management of maritime traffic through the strategic waterway.

The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, signed last week, remains at the center of diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions between Tehran and Washington, with regional and international stakeholders closely monitoring its implementation and long-term impact on Middle East security.