Iran Ready for Dialogue Based on Mutual Respect, Says Foreign Minister Araqchi

Tehran, October 18 (Daily Kiran) : Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyyed Abbas Araqchi, stated that the country will not compromise its sovereignty under pressure. Speaking in Baghdad, where he attended the 52nd meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers, he expressed Iran’s willingness to engage in talks based on mutual respect and reliable guarantees.

Araqchi firmly rejected any form of coercion, threats, or intimidation in political dealings. He reiterated Iran’s commitment to ensuring safe and unhindered maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which had remained open before the attacks from the U.S. and Israel on February 28.

He disclosed that Iran has sent a “solid” seven-day plan to the U.S. via Qatar. If certain conditions are met, the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened within a week. “The decision now rests with the U.S.,” Araqchi remarked.

He emphasized that Iran will continue to defend its people, sovereignty, and legitimate interests by any means necessary. The minister noted that Iran has never attacked its neighbors, targeting only U.S. military bases and installations in those countries.

Araqchi asserted that the land, airspace, and infrastructure of regional countries should be used solely for regional security and not as a platform for attacking neighboring states. “No country can ensure its permanent security at the expense of another’s safety,” he said, advocating for regional nations to collaboratively resolve their issues to prevent external powers from using conflict as a pretext for war.

Following the joint attacks by Israel and the U.S. on Tehran and other Iranian cities on February 28, Iran retaliated with multiple waves of missile and drone strikes against Israeli and U.S. positions in the region, tightening its control over the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire was established on April 8, leading to a memorandum of understanding on June 18 between Iran and the U.S. to end hostilities across all fronts. This agreement mandated both nations to engage in negotiations within 60 days, a deadline that expired on August 17. The talks aimed to reach a final agreement regarding Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions, but escalating tensions hindered substantial progress toward a concrete resolution.