Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has described a United States effort to open dialogue with Tehran as “a positive step”, but said there are currently no plans for meetings with US officials. Speaking in an interview on Saturday, he said Iran had studied a letter sent by US Vice President JD Vance during high-level meetings.
Araghchi also said an Iranian delegation had travelled to Doha, a day after Qatari mediators visited Tehran in what appears to be an effort to revive the US-Iran ceasefire. He said one of his aides was in Qatar to continue consultations.
Iran sets conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz
Araghchi said Iran had set out its conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which he said would pave the way for renewed negotiations with Washington. He added that talks with Qatari mediators had shortened the time needed to implement Iran’s proposal.
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“The Qatari side proposed shortening the implementation period of the Iranian proposal to five days. We have reached a proposal at this stage that reduces the implementation period to two days,” he said.
Iran’s demands, as he outlined them, include:
- Lifting sanctions imposed following the Islamabad memorandum
- Reducing US forces in the region
- Restoring oil waivers
- Releasing all frozen funds, including those held in Qatar
Iran also wants recognition of shipping routes through the strait that it discussed with Oman, along with the closure of other routes, he said.
Araghchi downplays meeting talk and warns Washington
Araghchi dismissed reports of upcoming meetings between the two sides. “What is being circulated in this regard is merely media speculation,” he said.
“We see no need to meet with the Americans at this stage. Our conditions are clear, and mediators are continuing their consultations regarding them,” he added. He said whether Iran would hold direct or indirect talks with the US depended on Tehran’s conditions being met.
Araghchi said mediators had presented proposals concerning the nuclear dossier, which Iran is reviewing as part of the second phase. He said Qatari and Pakistani mediators were continuing consultations on Iran’s conditions.
He also warned that if Washington’s aim in sending the letter was to stir up discord, it would be another mistake added to its previous ones.
Iran says its forces are ready for any scenario
Araghchi said Iran does not rule out the possibility of an attack against it. “We are prepared for all scenarios,” he said.
He said Iran had upgraded its weaponry, addressed its vulnerabilities and tested new arms. “Our forces are at the highest level of readiness,” he added.
