Iran’s Commitment to Diplomacy: Araghchi Emphasizes Ongoing Engagement

In a recent interview with the program Ma‘ Moosa Al Farei, the Iranian Foreign Minister made significant remarks regarding Iran’s diplomatic engagement, emphasizing the importance of fair negotiations. His statements came after a high-profile meeting in Muscat aimed at addressing mediation efforts in the region.

“If the American side shows its readiness for a fair and balanced agreement based on mutual interests, the Islamic Republic of Iran will definitely consider the issue. We have never left the negotiating table, because diplomacy is an integral part of our approach and principles,” he stated.

The Iranian diplomat elaborated on his visit to Muscat, highlighting that the discussions focused on the troubling reality of how international law and global systems are increasingly swayed by the United States’ propensity to use force in international relations.

He mentioned the five rounds of indirect talks mediated by Oman earlier this year, asserting that these discussions brought the involved parties “very close” to a consensus. However, he expressed disappointment over Washington’s rejection of proposed solutions, which he felt hindered the progress of diplomacy.

“The negotiations collapsed when the US insisted on ‘zero enrichment,’ a demand he said Iran could never accept,” Araghchi added. He emphasized, “If you want zero enrichment, there will be no agreement. If you want zero bombs, we can reach one.”

The foreign minister cautioned that the current landscape of international relations is increasingly dominated by “the law of the jungle,” a consequence of US militarism. He argued that the notion of “peace through strength” often equates to victory for those wielding greater power, while true peace can only be achieved through genuine diplomacy.

Araghchi also condemned the aggression against Iran, which he claimed was orchestrated by Israel with direct support from the United States. He argued that this aggression occurred during diplomatic negotiations and represented an attack on both Iran and the mediation efforts by Oman.

On June 13, Israel initiated an unprovoked assault on Iran, leading to the assassination of numerous high-ranking military officials, nuclear scientists, and innocent civilians. Subsequently, the United States escalated the conflict by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites, which Araghchi described as a violation of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

In retaliation, the Iranian Armed Forces targeted strategic sites within the occupied territories, along with the al-Udeid air base in Qatar, which is recognized as the largest American military base in West Asia.

Discussing the recent 12-day conflict with Israel, Araghchi stated that while Iran incurred “heavy costs,” it emerged from the situation stronger, having tested its missile systems in real combat and identified vulnerabilities on both sides.

When questioned about the possibility of direct dialogue between Tehran and Tel Aviv, Araghchi firmly stated that Iran “does not recognize any legitimacy for the Zionist regime.” He asserted that the occupying entity “does not belong to this region,” and its foundation was laid through “the usurpation of Palestinian land” maintained by “crimes, killings, and genocide.”

Regarding Iran’s regional policy, he reaffirmed support for various groups, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Yemen’s Ansarullah, and the Palestinian Resistance Movement Hamas. He described these groups as “independent actors,” emphasizing that Iran supports them because “we believe they are fighting for a legitimate and sacred aim.” He added that they strive for liberation and freedom in their respective lands.

On the topic of Syria, Araghchi revealed that Tehran currently has no formal relations with the new Syrian administration but is closely monitoring the situation. He warned of Israeli intentions to deepen territorial control in Syria, which he characterized as a serious threat to regional stability.

Araghchi expressed optimism regarding the evolving relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia following the Beijing-brokered rapprochement. He noted the importance of regular high-level consultations between the two nations.

He concluded by asserting that regional security should be established “by the countries of the region alone, without foreign powers,” and expressed hope that increasing trust could pave the way for joint security arrangements in the Persian Gulf.

In summary, the Iranian Foreign Minister’s comments underscore the complexities of international diplomacy and the need for mutual respect in negotiations. As tensions rise in the region, the call for diplomacy remains a critical focus for Iran.

MNA/PressTV