Iranian FM Raps US’ Contradictory Words, Deeds
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araqchi denounced the persistent American sanctions and threats against Tehran, saying the US officials’ conflicting statements and actions have aggravated distrust and aroused strong suspicion that Washington lacks resolve to exercise diplomacy.
In a telephone conversation on Friday, Araqchi and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres discussed the latest regional and international developments, including the indirect negotiations between Iran and the US.
Araqchi briefed the UN chief on the current status of the Iran-US talks as well as Oman’s efforts to facilitate the next round of negotiations, the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s website reported.
He highlighted Iran’s responsible approach in choosing diplomatic approach to resolving the fabricated disputes surrounding its peaceful nuclear program.
Araqchi underscored that progress in the diplomatic track requires genuine determination and realism from the other side. He also reiterated that Iran, as a committed member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), remains fully compliant with its obligations and insists on the Iranian nation’s right to benefit from nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, which requires uranium enrichment.
The Iranian foreign minister also highlighted the past bitter experiences and breaches of commitments by the other sides, saying a balanced, fair and lasting agreement requires avoidance of raising extralegal matters contrary to the NPT.
He also stressed the need for the other parties to provide guarantees regarding the fulfillment of their commitments in effectively ending sanctions and ensuring Iran's economic benefits.
Araqchi added that the contradictory behavior and statements of the US officials, along with the continued sanctions and threats against the Iranian people, have led to increased distrust and suspicion about Washington’s seriousness about advancing the diplomatic path.
The foreign minister then pointed to several rounds of negotiations held with Germany, France, and the UK over the past year, emphasized Iran’s readiness to continue engagement with the European parties, and expressed hope that the three countries would adopt a constructive approach toward the peaceful resolution of the existing disputes.
For his part, the UN secretary general appreciated the Iranian the foreign minister's innovative approach in explaining developments related to the indirect Iran-US talks, emphasizing the importance of continuing this process until a result is achieved.
Guterres also offered condolences to Iran over the recent explosion at Shahid Rajaei Port.
