“Indirect negotiations have not been finalized yet, and I do not endorse any country in this regard,” Araghchi told reporters on Sunday.
Regarding the visit of the Deputy Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, he said: “Our negotiations with the Agency will be held on Monday regarding the new framework of cooperation. I have explained earlier that Deputy Director General will come to Tehran on Monday. There is no plan for open inspections. We have not yet reached an agreement on the new framework and cooperation will not begin until we reach this new framework. This new framework will definitely be based on the law of the esteemed Iranian Parliament.”
Regarding the next round of negotiations with Europe, the Foreign Minister also said: “Our contacts with the other side continue and the discussions are still on the agenda. Our issue is still clear; in our opinion, ‘snapback’ is not relevant and Europe cannot take such a step. In our opinion, the Europeans are no longer considered participants in the JCPOA, given the positions they have taken. Of course, there are technical and legal discussions in this regard that my colleagues are in contact with.”
Regarding the next round of negotiations with the United States, he also said that the next round of negotiations has not been set yet and nothing has been finalized. “Indirect negotiations have not been finalized yet, and I do not endorse any country in this regard.”
In response to a question about the agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Araghchi also said that regarding relations with Armenia and Azerbaijan, it should be said that we have had repeated discussions with them. ”
“On moday, the Armenian Foreign Minister will call me. Mr. Pashinyan, the Armenian Prime Minister, will also call, and on Tuesday, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia is scheduled to come to Tehran. We are in continuous consultations with the parties. Our position on Zangzor and the issues raised is completely clear; we welcome any peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and we have previously announced our readiness to cooperate and assist in the peace process between the two countries,” he said.
He added: “Our positions are also clear regarding the region; We want to maintain the full sovereignty of all countries in the region over their territories and defend the territorial integrity of all countries in the region. We also defend international borders and do not accept any changes to them. What is stated in the joint statement of the two countries of Armenia and Azerbaijan includes these three principles: respect for the sovereignty of the countries in the region, respect for their territorial integrity, and opposition to any border changes. These are exactly in line with the positions of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Araghchi stressed that the issue of another corridor has been completely set aside and the discussion is about a transit road that will be built under the sovereignty and jurisdiction of Armenia, on the territory of this country, adding that the implementation of this project is the responsibility of a company that, according to what was said, will be an American-Armenian company registered in Armenia and operating under the laws of this country.
“Of course, as stated in the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, any foreign presence in the region, in any form, can have negative consequences for the peace and stability of the region. We have always raised this issue with the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides and will continue to emphasize it. We are closely monitoring developments. So far, our principled positions have been respected, but the possible presence of the American company is a cause for concern and we will continue our consultations in this regard,” he added.
The Foreign Minister said that Iran has warned against any foreign presence in the region, and emphasized that such an action could threaten peace and stability. “The possible presence of an American company in this project is a cause for concern for Iran, and this issue has been shared with the parties and developments are being closely followed.”
Regarding the complete occupation of Gaza, Araghchi also said: “Regarding Iran’s reaction to the complete occupation, it should be said that last night or the day before yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on this matter. Our position is completely clear; we do not accept and condemn any occupation of Gaza and any displacement of the people of Gaza. Also, the crimes that occur there every day are condemned. Yesterday, 22 Islamic countries also issued a joint statement on the same issue. In my opinion, up until now, the positions of Islamic and Arab countries in this regard have been very good.”
