Avash News: Abbas Araghchi said that if they come to the conclusion that the other side is serious about the negotiations, the talks will continue. The top official, who was attending the first National Conference on Foreign Policy and the History of Foreign Relations in Tehran, said that the principle of enrichment must be accepted, but Iran does not have any problem with trust.
“What is important is the approach of the Americans,” he said, adding that reaching an agreement is possible, whether through direct or indirect negotiations. The official said that indirect negotiations are not an obstacle to reaching an agreement.
“The format of negotiations is not that defining; what is important is the content of the dialogue,” he said, adding that indirect negotiations are not something odd or unprecedented in international relations and that, due to various historical reasons, mediation mechanisms have been shaped exactly for such situations.
The official said that in many international cases, including some talks between Russia and Ukraine, the primary steps of negotiations were indirect and that there are many examples at the international level.
“Therefore, the indirect nature of the negotiations is not something to hinder the process of negotiations. The main obstacles are related to the content, including excessive demands, illogical claims, and unrealistic demands,” he said.
Araghchi said that if the American approach is based on achieving a respectful, just, and equitable agreement concerning mutual interests, it seems that it would be possible to reach an agreement.
The official said that the location and timing of the negotiations can be changed.
Araghchi said that no direct negotiations occurred between Iranian and American teams, but they had an encounter in which they behaved with respect and politeness.
“It was an interaction in accordance with political politeness,” he explained.
The minister also explained that the outcome of the negotiations is currently being examined and that they will decide how to continue the process.
“The continuation of the negotiations had been decided to be based on the outcomes of last Friday’s negotiations from the beginning,” Araghchi said.
Araghchi highlighted that signs of seriousness are seen on the other side.
He, however, said that zero enrichment is not acceptable. “Therefore, the focus must be on issues within whose framework negotiations could continue, and in addition, through technical details and required mechanisms, assurances and trust-building can be made.”
Iran’s minister said that concerns about Iran’s peaceful nuclear program can be resolved by being responsive and resolving ambiguities.
“Iran’s nuclear program meets our needs in different fields, including agriculture and hygiene, and enrichment is vital for us to provide future nuclear fuel,” he said.
He added that Iran does not pursue a nuclear bomb and that what has made the other side worry is the Islamic Republic’s power to say “no.”
“The Islamic Republic is pro-diplomacy and at the same time is ready to defend itself; not for initiating war but for responding to any form of the language of force,” he said.
