Iran-US communication line is political, not military; Tehran to decide on the start of final agreement talks in the coming days

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - Tehran: In response to a question about the effectiveness of the communication channel established between Iran and the United States, Baghaei revealed for the first time the exact nature of the hotline. Emphasizing that the channel is “completely political in nature,” he clarified: “This communication is between the Iranian Foreign Ministry and responsible officials in the American political establishment and does not include the military sector in any way.”
These statements are the first official confirmation from Tehran about the existence of a direct political communication line with Washington since the signing of the memorandum of understanding to end the war. While expressing hope that these measures will help the smooth implementation of the agreement, Baghaei declined to provide further details about the content of the channel’s exchanges.

A fateful decision is coming; assessing America’s performance in the coming days
The main focus of the press conference was the announcement of an informal but crucial deadline by Tehran. Referring to paragraph 13 of the memorandum of understanding, which makes progress on the path to a final agreement conditional on the implementation of paragraphs 1, 4, 5, 10, and 11, Baghaei announced that Iran will closely evaluate the implementation status of these commitments in the coming days and, based on the results, decide on the time and form of starting negotiations for a final agreement.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman emphasized: “Holding any negotiations requires specific goals and the existence of necessity, and the start of negotiations for a final agreement is subject to the start and continuation of the implementation of these paragraphs by the other party.”
Noting that the process of implementing some of these paragraphs has begun and is ongoing, he sent a clear message to Washington that Tehran is on the verge of a major diplomatic decision and the outcome of this decision is directly tied to the US’s performance in the coming days.

Doha; Host of Iranian Expert Team to Release Assets
Amid this atmosphere of expectation, Baqai announced the Iranian expert team’s trip to Doha to follow up on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding’s clauses, especially the issue of releasing frozen assets, and described the negotiation process in this regard as “desirable.”
However, he categorically rejected rumors about the possibility of meeting with American officials in the Qatari capital, emphasizing: “There is no plan to meet with the American side at any level on the agenda, and talking about Iran’s withdrawal is a false narrative. What is underway in Doha is talks with the Qatari parties to follow up on the implementation of the clauses.”
Describing the latest status of the implementation of the commitments, Baqai presented a dual picture: on the one hand, he assessed the conditions in the area of ​​ending the maritime blockade and issuing sanctions exemptions for the sale of oil and petrochemicals as “relatively favorable,” and announced the facilitation of the country’s energy sales after consulting with the Ministry of Oil. On the other hand, he emphasized that in other cases, there are still “serious challenges” that require the full implementation of the commitments by the American side.

Strait of Hormuz; Tehran’s firm message to Macron and trans-regional powers
Another important part of the press conference was dedicated to the Strait of Hormuz, this strategic global waterway. In response to recent statements by French President Emmanuel Macron about planning a mine-sweeping operation in the Strait of Hormuz in cooperation with some countries, Baghaei took a firm and warning stance.
Criticizing Paris’ approach, he stated: “The Islamic Republic of Iran is not only fully aware of its responsibilities in the Strait of Hormuz, but also has the full capability to fulfill these responsibilities and does not need the intervention of others.”
Stating that foreign interference in regional affairs “is definitely not done with good intentions,” Baghaei warned that such actions would only lead to further complications.
In response to a question about the efforts of some countries to create alternative corridors, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman emphasized, referring to the clarity of Article 5 of the Memorandum of Understanding, which places the responsibility for ensuring the safe passage of commercial ships on Iran, saying: “Iran’s approach is completely clear and based on legal rights, and the Islamic Republic of Iran will resolutely take any necessary action to protect its national interests and strictly implement its obligations.”
He also announced the continuation of consultations with Oman and other coastal countries to establish the necessary arrangements based on international law and Iran’s sovereign rights.

All organs of the system are involved in major decisions on war and peace
Regarding the discussions raised about the country’s major decision-making process and some reactions in public gatherings, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman stated with firmness: “All organs of the system are involved in decisions related to war, peace, and negotiations, and no single agency is the sole decision-maker; rather, the decision-making process is based on weighing the pros and cons.

"It will be done under the supervision of higher institutions such as the Supreme National Security Council."
He called for avoiding division and emphasized the importance of strengthening national cohesion in the current critical situation.

Lebanon: The criterion for measuring America's commitment is the text of the memorandum of understanding
In response to a question about the news published about the disarmament of resistance groups in Lebanon, Beqaei emphasized that Iran's criterion for assessing America's commitment to ending the war on all fronts is the text of the memorandum of understanding.
He clarified: "According to the first paragraph of this memorandum, America has a clear commitment to ending the war and must also force the Zionist regime to fulfill its obligations."
Baqaei added: "Any agreement proposed outside this framework will not be the basis for evaluating Iran, and the Lebanese and resistance groups will also make the best decision, given the experience of past years and understanding the behavior of the Zionist regime towards the dignity and independence of Lebanon."
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman also pointed out that this diplomatic path began in an atmosphere of intense suspicion and mistrust after two wars and bitter experiences with US breaches of promises, and emphasized that Iran's strategy is the principle of "commitment for commitment" and that unilateral implementation of the provisions of the agreement is unacceptable.
He announced that Iran will monitor the implementation of the other party's commitments in real time and will use all its tools and levers to protect national interests and security at any stage necessary.

NATO and the aggression case; the Secretary General's statements are an official admission of participation in a crime
In another important part of the meeting, Beqaei described the recent statements of the NATO Secretary General regarding the availability of bases of some member countries of this alliance for US military operations against Iran as an "official admission of participation in military aggression."
Announcing the firm position of the Islamic Republic of Iran, he emphasized that this issue was not unknown to Tehran; Because NATO's active participation in the planning, implementation, and support of the aggressive actions of the US and the Zionist regime has been clear to Iran from the very beginning.
Baghaei emphasized: "These words are not only a clear admission of complicity in the crime of aggression, but will also be cited as a valid document in any international court."
The spokesman for the Iranian diplomatic service emphasized that the actions of the US and the Zionist regime are a clear example of military aggression and illegal war according to international law, adding: "Both the NATO Secretary General as a decision-maker and the member states that participated in this operation are directly responsible for committing an internationally wrongful act."
Referring to the occurrence of war crimes in areas such as Minab and Lamerd in Iran during these attacks, Baghaei warned that all commanders and decision-makers who ordered this aggression can be prosecuted at the criminal level.
He also categorically rejected the attempts of some European countries to exonerate themselves by claiming only “technical and logistical support” and noted that according to international law, no participation in the crime of aggression can be justified.
In conclusion, Baghaei emphasized that Iran will continue to seriously demand justice from all parties that directly or indirectly played a role in this operation.

Iraq; Funeral Ceremony, a Global Message of Unity of Two Nations
Bagaei went on to describe the dimensions of the important visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi to Iraq and described this visit as one of the most important diplomatic moves by Tehran after the formation of the new government.
A significant part of Baghaei’s speech was dedicated to the arrangements for holding the funeral ceremony of the martyred leader of the Islamic Revolution on Iraqi soil.
Referring to the formation of a special committee on the orders of the Iraqi Prime Minister, he noted: “The people of Iraq and the various strata of this country are mourning the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution; Someone who was concerned about peace, security and dignity of the region. Holding these ceremonies in different parts of Iraq shows the depth of the two nations’ unity and a clear message to the world.”

Iraq, Syria, Grossi and sports issues; other topics of the meeting
Iraq and resistance groups: Baqaei emphasized that issues related to resistance groups in Iraq are among the internal affairs of this country and decisions about them are the responsibility of the Iraqi government and people.
Welcoming Iraq’s initiative for regional talks: The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, while welcoming Iraq’s proposal to hold a joint meeting with members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, emphasized that the experience of the US military presence has shown that these forces are the main cause of division and insecurity in the region.
Syria: Baqaei strongly condemned the Zionist regime’s attacks on Syria and criticized the UN Security Council’s inaction in the face of these aggressions.
Reaction to Grossi's statements: In response to the statements of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson advised him: "Instead of repeating political positions that are suspected of election propaganda, he should fulfill his professional and responsible duties regarding the violations that have taken place."
Political dealings with the Iranian national football team: Baqai finally described the recent events related to the Iranian national football team as "the most political sports dealings of the year" and considered the actions taken, including the refusal to issue visas to the technical staff and inappropriate accommodation, to indicate the height of the American ruling body's spite.

Today's statements by the Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson show that Tehran is at a critical juncture in decision-making. The announcement that a decision will be made "in the coming days" on the start of negotiations for a final agreement is a clear message to Washington that the opportunity for trial and error has ended. The emphasis on the political nature of the line of communication with the United States also indicates that Tehran is seeking to manage tensions through diplomatic channels, not military channels. At the same time, a firm warning about