Iran FM says US outreach a ‘positive step’ as delegation in Qatar for talks
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that a United States effort to open dialogue with Tehran is a positive step, but that there are currently no plans for meetings with US officials.
Araghchi told Al Jazeera that Tehran had studied a letter sent by US Vice President JD Vance in high-level meetings and set out conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which he said would pave the way for renewed negotiations with Washington.
An Iranian delegation has travelled to Doha, a day after Qatari mediators were in Tehran in an apparent bid to negotiate a revival of the US-Iran ceasefire. Araghchi said one of his aides is in Qatar to continue consultations.
“The American side’s attempt to open the door to dialogue and understanding more broadly is a positive step,” the foreign minister told Al Jazeera.
He warned that if Washington’s goal in sending this letter is to stir up discord, it would be yet another mistake to add to its previous ones.
Araghchi played down talk of upcoming meetings between the two sides, saying what is being circulated is merely media speculation.
“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. Mediators have presented proposals concerning the nuclear dossier, which Iran is currently reviewing as part of the second phase.
Araghchi said talks with Qatari mediators had shortened the time needed to implement Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The Qatari side proposed shortening the implementation period of the Iranian proposal to five days, and Iran has reached a proposal at this stage that reduces the implementation period to two days.
Iran’s conditions include lifting the sanctions imposed following the Islamabad memorandum and reducing US forces in the region. The country also demands the restoration of oil waivers and the release of all its frozen funds, including those held in Qatar.
“We are prepared for all scenarios,” he said. “We have upgraded our weaponry, addressed our vulnerabilities, and tested new arms. Our forces are at the highest level of readiness.”
Iran is also demanding recognition of shipping routes through the strait that it had discussed with Oman, and the closure of other routes.
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