The spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Ismail Baqaei, stated that the country has not finalized its decision regarding participation in the anticipated negotiations in Islamabad. He emphasized that Iran's stance is tied to clear conditions, primarily the lifting of sanctions on Iranian ports and the removal of threats directed against it.
Baqaei pointed to what he described as "excessive American demands," accusing the United States of continuing to violate the ceasefire by maintaining maritime sanctions. He considered this a blatant violation that could amount to war crimes and a new aggression against Iran, citing the attack on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman days ago, which does not reflect the behavior of a country engaged in a diplomatic process.
Details of the Event
The Iranian spokesperson revealed that one of the scenarios proposed during previous negotiations in Islamabad included the option to reduce uranium enrichment levels by 60%. However, he confirmed that this issue has not been resolved due to the lack of resumption of negotiations.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a Al Jazeera correspondent noted the ongoing tension in the region, where Tehran has emphasized its sovereignty over the strategic passage by imposing transit fees on passing ships. The Fars news agency reported that the Iranian central bank has already begun collecting transit fees in cash and hard currency, with the fee amount determined by the size and type of goods.
Background & Context
These statements come at a sensitive time, as a series of tweets and remarks from senior Iranian officials, including President Masoud Bezheskian and Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref, have converged on a unified stance in response to comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who spoke about a division within Iran between moderates and hardliners.
Collectively, these statements affirmed that there are no moderates or hardliners in Iran, and that the Iranian people are united as a single revolutionary force under one leadership. Qalibaf stressed that Iranians are united revolutionaries, and that the country will make the aggressor regret it through the unity of the people and the government.
Impact & Consequences
In this context, the Iranian Vice President stated that Iran is not a land of disputes, and that political diversity represents the essence of democracy. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that the military and diplomatic fronts are completely aligned, and that Iranians are more united than ever.
Baqaei also noted that any agreement with Washington must ensure national interests, lift threats, and prevent the recurrence of aggression. He asserted that Iran does not see the possibility of continuing ceasefire commitments in light of the U.S. party's non-compliance.
Regional Significance
These developments are seen as an indicator of ongoing tensions in Iranian-American relations, which could affect stability in the region. Any escalation in Iran's stance may provoke reactions from Gulf countries, which are closely monitoring developments in the Strait of Hormuz.
In conclusion, Iran's decision regarding participation in negotiations with Washington remains pending, as statements indicate that Tehran, while prepared to negotiate, is also ready for all other scenarios.