'Not Accepting Temporary...': Iran Rejects Ceasefire Extension Plan, Seeks Broader End To Conflict

Last Updated:April 18, 2026, 13:07 IST

Iran rejects any temporary ceasefire, demands a comprehensive regional deal from "Lebanon to the Red Sea"; talks expand beyond nuclear issues as IRGC warns it is ready for war

Ahead of the next round of peace talks, Iran has ruled out the possibility of extending any temporary ceasefire, insisting instead on a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the ongoing regional conflict.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said Tehran would not agree to short-term pauses in hostilities, stressing that any arrangement must address the broader conflict across multiple fronts. Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, the Deputy Foreign Minister made it clear that a temporary truce would not meet Iran’s conditions.

“We are not accepting any temporary ceasefire," Khatibzadeh said, adding that the cycle of conflict must end “once and for all," news outlet Iran International reported. Follow for live updates

Talks May Expand Beyond Nuclear Issue

The Iranian leader also underlined that any agreement should extend across the region, “from Lebanon to the Red Sea," calling it a non-negotiable position for Tehran.

The Iranian Minister indicated that diplomatic efforts were underway, with Pakistan reportedly involved in mediation aimed at securing a broader settlement to end the hostilities. The recent developments in the region suggest that Iran’s approach has shifted significantly, with negotiations now covering a wide range of issues beyond the nuclear programme. These include maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief, ballistic missile concerns, and regional dynamics, Al Jazeera reported.

While Iran has reiterated its commitment to keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for commercial traffic, officials have hinted at the possibility of new security arrangements governing passage.

Tehran Signals Readiness For War Even As Diplomacy Continues

Despite ongoing diplomatic engagement, Iranian officials have emphasised the need for guarantees to ensure a durable peace, reflecting lingering distrust after earlier rounds of talks in Islamabad concluded without a breakthrough.

At the same time, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has maintained that it is fully prepared for renewed confrontation if the next round of negotiations collapses. The stance highlights Iran’s preference for a decisive, long-term settlement over incremental ceasefire extensions, even as talks continue and hopes for a deal persist.

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