Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called the United States' recent outreach a 'positive step' toward dialogue. Yet, he made it clear that no meetings with US officials are on the calendar right now. Speaking to Al Jazeera on Saturday, Araghchi mentioned that Iran has gone over a letter from US Vice President JD Vance. Tehran has set out its terms for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a move seen as crucial for restarting talks with Washington.
Iranian delegates have landed in Doha. This follows a visit by Qatari mediators to Tehran, signaling a push to revive the US-Iran ceasefire. Araghchi confirmed that one of his aides is in Qatar to keep the discussions going. He said, "The American side’s attempt to open the door to dialogue and understanding more broadly is a positive step." But he warned, if the US aims to sow discord, that's a mistake.
Araghchi brushed off rumors about imminent meetings between the two nations, dismissing them as mere media chatter. "We see no need to meet with the Americans at this stage, " he said. "Our conditions are clear, and mediators are continuing their consultations regarding them." Any chance of direct or indirect talks with the US depends on these conditions being met.
Conditions for Negotiation
Araghchi laid out specific conditions Iran insists must be met before any talks can move forward. These include lifting sanctions imposed after the Islamabad memorandum and reducing the US military footprint in the region. Iran also wants oil waivers restored and its frozen funds released, including those held in Qatar. Recognizing shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, discussed with Oman, and shutting down other routes are also part of Iran's demands.
He noted that discussions with Qatari mediators have sped up the timeline for Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Initially, the Qataris suggested a five-day implementation period. Now, it’s down to two days.
Araghchi also touched on the nuclear dossier, saying that mediators have put forward proposals under review in the second phase of discussions. Qatari and Pakistani mediators are actively engaged in talks about Iran's conditions.
Addressing the possibility of conflict, Araghchi didn't rule out an attack against Iran. "We are prepared for all scenarios, " he declared, emphasizing that Iran has upgraded its arsenal, addressed vulnerabilities, and tested new weapons. The country's forces, he added, are at their highest level of readiness.
