Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, provided details about the latest status of negotiations between Iran and America in an exclusive interview with an Iraqi news network. He emphasized that negotiations with the American side are continuously ongoing through intermediary countries, including Pakistan and Qatar.
The Seven-Day Plan and Iran's Conditions
Araghchi referred to the initiative of the "Seven-Day Plan" in this interview and stated that Iran's conditions are explicitly mentioned in this plan. He noted that on the sixth day of this period, the Strait of Hormuz was supposed to be fully opened, and the Americans have acknowledged the agreement with these conditions but requested the addition of several new clauses.
The Iranian Foreign Minister, in response to a question about the nature of America's new conditions, emphasized that negotiations will not be conducted through this news network and that the topics discussed in these negotiations revert to previous discussions. He clarified that Iran expects America to adhere to all commitments outlined in the Islamabad memorandum to facilitate entering negotiations on other issues.
Trust in America and the Status of the Strait of Hormuz
Araghchi further pointed to Iran's distrust of America, stating: "We entered into three rounds of negotiations with the American side, and all three rounds ended in war against us. In this process, distrust of the Americans was proven to us." He also referred to an agreement made with Donald Trump in the third round of negotiations, mentioning that Trump only adhered to its terms for two weeks.
Araghchi emphasized that the doors of diplomacy are open for Iran, provided that the other side adheres to the agreements. He also added: "If the Americans are truly serious about the agreement, they must know that the path ahead is open to them, and it is sufficient to implement the conditions that were previously mentioned. If America adheres to these conditions, the Strait of Hormuz will be fully opened."
Developments in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz
In response to questions about the increasing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the accusations made against Iran, Araghchi stated: "The issue of the Red Sea and the developments occurring there are in no way related to Iran." He also emphasized that as long as an agreement regarding the Strait of Hormuz is not reached, this strait will remain closed to ships.
The Iranian Foreign Minister, referring to the developments of the war and America's actions, stated that America has not achieved any of its objectives in this war, which has lasted more than eight months, and this failure is a strategic defeat for America and a victory for Iran. He also warned that America cannot force Iran to surrender through military threats and economic sanctions, and the only suitable solution is diplomacy and negotiation.
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