Tehran:Iran plans to communicate its additional points on a US counter-proposal regarding an earlier Iranian plan aimed at ending the war, following necessary assessments, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Baqaei addressed the issue during a press briefing, responding to questions about Iran's stance on Washington's response to Tehran's seven-day plan for opening the Strait of Hormuz. This plan had been conveyed to the US through Qatari mediators two weeks ago while Iranian delegates attended the UN General Assembly in New York. The US replied with a counter-proposal as the Iranian delegation was in Doha returning from New York. Iran confirmed the receipt of this response last Wednesday.
During a brief stop in Doha, Iran communicated its positions to the mediator, highlighting that the American proposals mostly align with their previous nuclear-related positions. Baqaei emphasized that Iran's current focus is on the Strait of Hormuz, requiring the US to halt disruptions to Iran's commercial shipping, interventionist actions, and sanctions, including those imposed after the June 18 memorandum of understanding.
Baqaei noted that the discussions in Doha involved both American considerations conveyed through Qatari mediators and Iran's responses. Iran intends to review certain details and communicate further points to the US.
He reiterated the security of the Strait of Hormuz prior to the US and Israeli aggression on Iran, underscoring Iran's commitment to diplomacy to prevent escalating tensions and restore peace. Baqaei criticized the US for lacking seriousness in diplomatic efforts, as demonstrated by their previous positions and actions.
The spokesperson dismissed reports suggesting Iran sought sanctions relief in exchange for allowing International Atomic Energy Agency inspections at its nuclear sites. Baqaei clarified that Iran's seven-day plan focused on conveying conditions to mediators, not negotiating nuclear issues for sanctions relief.
Baqaei also refuted US President Donald Trump's claim of uncertainty about Iran's negotiation representatives, declaring the statement baseless and asserting the coherence and order of Iran's decision-making process. He argued that the US's internal partisan conflicts and contradictory approaches undermine its diplomatic efforts.
Additional topics raised at the press conference included US claims of expelling two Iranian delegates from the UNGA, Iran's readiness to facilitate dialogue between Yemen and Saudi Arabia, and continued cooperation with Russia and China on the nuclear issue. Baqaei also dismissed allegations linking Iran to incidents involving Flydubai and RAF Fairford as false-flag operations meant to distract from the Palestinian issue.
Lastly, the Iranian government is engaging with Taliban officials regarding the closure of Iranian cultural and health centers in Afghanistan. The press conference also touched on Iran's relations with Lebanon, US forces' withdrawal from Iraq, Iran's NPT membership, and other regional and international matters. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to visit Turkmenistan for two summits, including the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) meeting.