Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, responded to reporters' questions on the sidelines of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting in Baghdad and emphasized the importance of Iran's relations with Lebanon and other regional challenges.
Iran and Lebanon Relations
Araghchi referred to his recent meeting with Youssef Raji, the Lebanese Foreign Minister, and said: "We had a very respectful but completely serious and frank meeting. We have many ideological differences with the Lebanese government, but we emphasize the importance of relations between Iran and Lebanon. We seek comprehensive political, economic, and cultural relations with Lebanon." He added: "Lebanon's internal issues are related to the Lebanese themselves, and any decision made in this regard will naturally not be opposed by Iran. Hezbollah is one of the most important groups in Lebanese society, and the social reality of that country cannot be ignored."
Islamic Cooperation Organization Meeting and Its Challenges
Araghchi also referred to the meeting of the foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and said: "This meeting is held annually, and the transfer of the presidency to Iraq can help strengthen the role of this organization in issues concerning the Islamic world." He stated that about 20 foreign ministers participated in this meeting, which is a good number by the organization's standards. The Iranian Foreign Minister pointed to the weak performance of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in recent years and said: "We hope that with the election of a new Secretary-General and Iraq's rotating presidency, this organization can play a constructive role in resolving disputes among Islamic countries."
Conditions and the Future of the Strait of Hormuz
Araghchi explained Iran's plan in the nuclear negotiations and the conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz: "Iran's conditions are very clear and have been presented to the American side in the form of a seven-day plan. If the American side is sincere, the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened on the sixth day." He added: "The conditions we have set are matters that the U.S. had previously committed to, and these conditions are fair. If they are met, the Strait of Hormuz will soon be reopened." Araghchi also reacted to recent threats against Iran and emphasized: "We will not bow to threats at all and are ready to defend ourselves. This readiness has increased compared to past wars, and we can defend ourselves well. At the same time, if diplomacy is dignified, we are ready to continue on this path."
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