Antalya, Apr 17 (V7N) – Iran has firmly rejected the idea of a temporary ceasefire, instead calling for a permanent end to the ongoing conflicts across the Middle East.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Friday, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Seyed Khatibzadeh said that any ceasefire must cover all conflict zones in the region—from Lebanon to the Red Sea—describing it as a “red line” for Tehran.

“We are not accepting any temporary ceasefire,” Khatibzadeh said, emphasizing that the current cycle of violence must end “once and for all.”

Addressing concerns about maritime security, Khatibzadeh noted that the Strait of Hormuz has historically remained open to international shipping.

“Although it lies within Iran’s territorial waters, it has long been accessible for global traffic,” he added, signaling that Iran does not intend to disrupt passage through the vital trade route.

The Iranian official also blamed the United States and Israel for escalating tensions in the region. He said their actions have contributed to instability, negatively impacting global trade and the wider economy.

Khatibzadeh’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions and conflicts across multiple fronts in the Middle East, where calls for ceasefire and long-term peace continue to face significant geopolitical challenges.

END/SMA/AJ