Tehran, April 1
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi offered a candid assessment of the ongoing war involving his country, the United States and Israel, stressing Tehran's stance on diplomacy, territorial rights over strategic waterways and readiness for potential military escalation in an interview with Al Jazeera.
Araghchi confirmed direct communications with the United States via Steve Witkoff, Washington's special envoy, amid continued conflict, Al Jazeera reported. However, he was emphatic that these exchanges do not amount to negotiations and dismissed claims from Washington and Western officials that formal talks were underway.
"I receive messages from Witkoff directly, as before, and this does not mean that we are in negotiations," Al Jazeera quoted Araghchi as saying, adding that there is "no truth to the claim of negotiations with any party in Iran" and that Iran has zero trust in the United States due to past experiences, including the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.
Secondly, Araghchi addressed the status and future of the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and gas flows in peacetime. He argued that the strait lies within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman and should be under their authority after the war.
During the conflict, he said, it is open to most nations but closed to ships of countries at war with Iran, insisting this restriction is lawful and typical for wartime maritime security, Al Jazeera reported.
His remarks highlighted Iran's intent to play a central role in post-war governance of the waterway, even as Gulf states like Qatar have demanded inclusion in discussions on its future.
On the third major takeaway, Araghchi dismissed the prospect of a US ground invasion, saying Iran is prepared to defend its territory and warning that any such assault would face fierce resistance.
"We are waiting for them," he said, adding, "I don't think they'd dare to do such a thing. There will be a lot of strength waiting for them."
He stressed Iran's confidence in its defence capabilities, particularly in a hypothetical land war, and expressed hope that Washington would avoid making that "mistake."
Araghchi's remarks come as the conflict wears on, with efforts by regional powers like Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt to facilitate dialogue, even as Tehran continues to emphasise its conditions for a comprehensive end to hostilities rather than a simple ceasefire.
- ANI
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