Iran: Araghchi says draft deal covers Strait of Hormuz, Lebanon conflict
Tehran, June 13
The memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran will address a range of issues, including Tehran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief and the status of the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday, according to Iran's state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting.
According to IRIB, Araghchi said the agreement consists of two stages and that the nuclear issue was not discussed in the first stage and was deferred to the second phase.
He added that if the provisions of the memorandum of understanding are not met, the final agreement will not be signed.
"The first thing mentioned in the agreement is that the US naval blockade be lifted," Araghchi said.
"According to international law, not possible to collect tolls from the Strait of Hormuz, but service fees will be collected. Paying compensation to Iran is in plan," IRIB quoted the Iranian Foreign Minister as saying.
Araghchi further stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains under the sovereignty of Iran and Oman, adding that "the future of the Strait of Hormuz will not be like the past", and indicated that Iran and Oman would soon issue a joint statement on its management.
On the nuclear issue, he said, "At this stage, we did not discuss nuclear issues. However, in any case, our position regarding enriched materials is that if dilution is to take place, it will happen inside Iran, NOT in another country."
Araghchi further stated, "The text of the initial memorandum of understanding consists of 2 pages. None of Iran's frozen assets can remain frozen according to the memorandum of understanding."
The memorandum would also address other key sources of friction in the Washington-Tehran relationship, including a written assurance from the United States affirming that it "respects Iran's sovereignty," according to the foreign minister.
He also stated, "We will never leave Hezbollah in Lebanon alone, and the end of the war in Lebanon will include all fronts."
This comes after Araghchi said that the "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding has never been closer", indicating that it was nearing finalisation.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I find it hard to trust Iran on this. They say the nuclear issue is deferred, not resolved. And now they want service fees from the Strait of Hormuz? That sounds like a disguised toll. The US needs to ensure any deal is comprehensive, not just a temporary Band-Aid.
As an Indian, I always worry about these geopolitics affecting our energy prices. But I appreciate that Iran is asserting its sovereignty over the Strait. The US has been too domineering in the region for too long. That said, I hope the service fee they mentioned is reasonable for global trade.
The part about India's energy security in this article is notably absent. Why isn't anyone asking how this affects us? We're one of the largest importers of oil from the Gulf. Even if this is a US-Iran deal, India should be a de facto stakeholder.
I'm skeptical. The Iranians are masters of negotiation, and this "two-stage" process smells like a way to stretch things out while getting sanctions relief upfront. And the Hezbollah comment? That is directly linking Lebanon conflict to this deal. Big red flag for the region.
Typical political drama in West Asia. Meanwhile, we Indians are worried about fuel prices at the pump. If this deal leads to more stability in the Gulf, then good. But Iran's conditions about enriching inside their country and Hezbollah support... that will make Israel and the US nervous.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.