Tehran: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has announced that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States is nearing finalization. This MoU, he stated, is the culmination of two months of negotiations aimed at solidifying a victory already achieved by the Iranian people in the recent conflict.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, both Tehran and Washington have indicated that they are on the verge of an agreement that will bring an end to the conflict initiated by the United States and Israel against Iran in late February, which was paused by a ceasefire effective from April 8. The ceasefire was facilitated by Pakistan, which continues to mediate discussions between Iran and the US, seeking to establish a permanent resolution to the war.
The foreign minister highlighted that one of the key objectives of the Iranian Foreign Ministry was to engage in negotiations that would 'consolidate the victory of the Iranian people.' He further noted that these discussions were conducted in complete alignment with the Armed Forces. Araghchi emphasized a deep-seated unity between the Foreign Ministry and the Armed Forces, describing their coordinated efforts as progressing towards the same goal, albeit from different perspectives.
Araghchi mentioned that the negotiation process has reached its final stages, resulting in a 14-point MoU that has been referenced in the media. He clarified that details of the memorandum will remain undisclosed until finalized, as changes might occur until the very last moment. Once the MoU is finalized, the public will be informed of its specifics.
The foreign minister stated that the MoU's details have been repeatedly reviewed by Iran's Supreme National Security Council and other decision-making bodies. The Pakistan-brokered MoU is expected to cease hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon, where the Israeli regime will retreat from occupied territories. The MoU will also entail a commitment to refrain from initiating new conflicts or resorting to threats or force. Araghchi noted that this would mark the first instance in 47 years where the United States formally acknowledges and respects Iran's sovereignty.
Upon finalization, the MoU will be digitally signed by both Iran and the US, Araghchi said, adding that the signing could occur imminently. Following the MoU's signing, Tehran and Washington will commence discussions on a final agreement addressing Iran's nuclear issue and the lifting of sanctions. These negotiations will occur over a 60-day period, with the possibility of extension based on progress.
Araghchi emphasized that a successful agreement is one that provides both parties with a certain level of satisfaction. He clarified that an agreement does not require an equal fifty-fifty split but rather mutual relative satisfaction for an understanding to be reached.
The foreign minister reiterated Iran's resilience against threats, asserting that the Iranian nation will not succumb to pressure or coercion. He conveyed a clear message that threats are ineffective against Iran and urged the other party to adopt a different approach if they seek an understanding, warning that Iran is prepared to respond to any threats or aggression.