Iranian Foreign Ministry: “Progress in Qatar-mediated talks… final settlement depends on US response”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on the 1st (local time) that a high-level Iranian diplomatic delegation is visiting Qatar, a mediating country, and is continuing discussions on peace negotiations with the United States, but a final agreement has not yet been reached.

Minister Araghchi said that the credit for the negotiations had passed to the United States and urged the United States to make a reasonable decision, while also emphasizing that he was making every effort to respond militarily in the event of a breakdown in negotiations.

According to Iran's state-run IRNA, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with reporters after a meeting of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the National Assembly and detailed the results of the Iranian diplomatic delegation's visit to Qatar and the progress of negotiations.

He explained, “This delegation’s visit to Qatar was conducted at the level of Deputy Foreign Minister and was intended to continue consultations with Qatari mediators who have visited Tehran in recent weeks.”

However, he drew a line by saying that there were no plans for direct negotiations with the United States during this visit.

Regarding the key issues of the negotiations, Minister Araghci said, "Currently, consultations with the arbitrating countries on the so-called 'two-day proposal' are progressing smoothly."

However, he said, "We have not yet reached a definitive conclusion, and whether or not we reach a final result depends entirely on what answers the other side (the United States) gives to our questions."

This means that they are awaiting a confirmation from the United States regarding the conditions or questions presented by Iran.

“We are doing our best in this mediation process,” he said. “We hope that the other side will show the rationality of prioritizing diplomacy over other methods (military solutions).”

Minister Araghchi emphasized that while Iran is seeking a diplomatic solution, it is also unbending from its hardline military stance in preparation for the escalation of armed conflict.

He warned, “The instructions given by the Supreme Leader to senior military commanders demonstrate the firm will of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” and added, “Our military has a clear mission, and based on the experience of the previous two wars, it has become much stronger than before.”