Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - Tehran: Explaining the current state of the negotiations, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said: “We are now in the final stages of the agreement with the US and are closer to an understanding than ever before. This agreement may be finalized in the next one or two days or within the next few days.”
According to the Iranian Foreign Minister, the signing process will be carried out digitally and remotely in the first stage, with each party signing the document remotely, and then it will be officially announced that the memorandum of understanding has been signed by both parties.
Two-stage structure of the agreement; separation of the nuclear file
Describing the structure of the agreement, the Iranian Foreign Minister revealed that the negotiations are designed in two stages:
The first stage, the signing of the memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States to end the war,
and the second stage, the beginning of 60-day negotiations to reach a final comprehensive agreement.
Araghchi clarified: “The nuclear issue has been completely postponed to the second stage and has no place in this memorandum of understanding of the first stage.”
Araghchi: Responsibility for negotiations lies with Qalibaf
In a significant announcement, the Iranian Foreign Minister noted that the main responsibility for these negotiations has been entrusted to Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly. He said in this regard: “The responsibility for the negotiations has been entrusted to my esteemed brother, Mr. Dr. Qalibaf, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant institutions are at his service.”
Araghchi also emphasized that Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has full control over all stages of the negotiations and the contents of the memorandum of understanding, and reports have been submitted to this council and security institutions in a timely manner.
The 14-article text that has been negotiated for more than two months
Araghchi described this document as a “14-article memorandum of understanding,” and said that its volume may not exceed two pages or a page and a half, but it is the product of more than two months of intensive and breathtaking negotiations.
Referring to the meticulousness used in drafting this text, he said: “All of its clauses and sentences have been reviewed by experts many times, and our military forces have also directly supervised its sensitive issues, especially those related to the Strait of Hormuz and the end of the war.”
Key axes of the understanding; From the end of the war to the release of assets
Based on what the Iranian Foreign Minister outlined, the main axes of this memorandum are:
First, the complete end of the war on all fronts, including Lebanon. Araqchi said in a decisive tone: "We have never forgotten Lebanon and Hezbollah, who fought shoulder to shoulder with the Iranian nation, and the ceasefire that is being declared will cover all fronts. The parties also pledge not to start any more wars and not to use threats or force."
Second, the complete lifting of the US naval blockade against Iran, which, according to Araqchi, will be implemented from the moment the understanding is signed and is the first tangible achievement of this document for the Iranian nation.
Third, the lifting of sanctions and the release of Iran's frozen assets according to a specific mechanism. The Iranian Foreign Minister emphasized in this regard that a guarantee has been received that "none of Iran's assets can be frozen again."
Fourth, a comprehensive plan for Iran’s economic reconstruction and development to compensate for the losses incurred in the war, which will inject significant financial resources into the country’s economy. Araghchi expressed hope that after the agreement is finalized, economic experts will be able to explain the plan in more detail to the public.
The Strait of Hormuz; The End of Free Services
One of the most innovative and strategic parts of the Iranian Foreign Minister’s speech was dedicated to the paradigm shift in the management of the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi announced that under this understanding, “the system of governance of the Strait of Hormuz will be different from the past.”
He explained that Iran’s sovereignty over this vital waterway remains permanent and inviolable, and the presence of the country’s armed forces will remain permanent, but services that have been provided free of charge so far – including rescue and relief, traffic safety, and environmental protection – will no longer be free.
Araghchi explained in more detail: “The Strait of Hormuz is under the sovereignty of Iran and Oman, and its area is within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman. For many years, these two countries have ensured the security and safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, have defined routes, have preserved the environment, and have provided rescue and relief services. So far, these services have been free, but the Islamic Republic of Iran has firmly decided that the future of the administration of the Strait of Hormuz will be different from the past.”
He announced close consultations with Oman, as a major partner in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as China – which, according to him, accounts for about 40 percent of ship traffic in the Strait – and promised that a joint plan and statement with these countries will be announced soon.
Araghchi said with firm language: “The presence of Iranian armed forces in the Strait of Hormuz will always be maintained and guarantees the security of the region. Our sword will always be above the Strait of Hormuz; This is certain and will be different from the past.”
Guarantee of implementation; the lever of the second stage
Iranian Foreign Minister in response to concerns about ensuring the implementation of the agreement by the other side, he outlined a clear mechanism: “The main guarantee is that if the provisions of this memorandum of understanding are not implemented by the other side, the second-stage negotiations and the main agreement will not proceed.”
He added that the deterrence created on the battlefield will itself be a solid support for the other side to adhere to its commitments, saying: “We do not rely on anyone to ensure our security, except the eternal essence of God, our people, and the capabilities of our armed forces. We have proven this in practice, and I am sure that we have created a complete deterrent for ourselves for years so that no one will think of attacking Iran again.”
Warning about sabotage and response to recent threats
Warning about the existence of enemies of this agreement, Araqchi identified the Zionist regime as the leader of those who are seeking to find a foothold to disrupt the understanding. Referring to the publication of various texts in the media and social networks, he stated: “In recent days, various texts have been published by the media and sites, and each side has different claims. Therefore, both the Americans and we have announced that none of these texts have official validity and the media speculations cannot be confirmed.”
The Iranian Foreign Minister called on the media to avoid speculations that disturb the psychological atmosphere of the country in order to maintain the necessary calm to reach the best possible agreement. He also emphasized that “negotiation and agreement are a two-way matter; we reach an agreement when both sides have a level of satisfaction.”
He also revealed that Iran has witnessed threats from the other side in the past 72 hours, which have been immediately responded to with “a rapid response through a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an official tweet, a statement from the armed forces, and direct and indirect messages.”
Araghchi sent a clear message to the other side: “Threats not only do not work, but they have the opposite effect and push back the process of reaching an agreement. The Iranian nation has shown that it will never give in to pressure and force. If threats and pressure were to be effective, Iran would have already failed. Our message is very clear: If you want understanding, change your language and speak with respect; and if you choose the path of threats, pressure or war, Iran is ready and capable of responding.”
Promise to explain the details to the Iranian nation
At the end of this special dialogue, the Iranian Foreign Minister emphasized that the work was done with “the utmost care, meticulousness and caution,” and said: “As part of the negotiation process, I can assure you that at the level of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the work that was assigned to us was done with the utmost care, meticulousness and caution. The result of this work is a good outcome for the interests of the Iranian people, which consolidates the country’s field victories and also strengthens the presence and authority of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the domestic and international arena.”
He promised the Iranian nation that after the agreement is finalized, he will explain its full details, clause by clause and word by word.