Araghchi: Iran ready for both defense and diplomacy; Choice rests with US
Araghchi: Iran ready for both defense and diplomacy; choice rests with US
TEHRAN – Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reaffirmed Iran’s readiness to pursue diplomacy while maintaining full defensive preparedness, saying the next step depends on the United States and whether Washington chooses a rational diplomatic approach.
Speaking to ICANA, the Iranian Parliament’s news outlet, Araghchi discussed the recent visit by an Iranian delegation to Qatar and continued consultations with Qatari mediators.
He said the delegation, led by a deputy foreign minister, travelled to Doha to continue discussions with Qatari mediators, who had also visited Tehran in recent weeks.
Araghchi stressed that the visit was not intended to involve direct negotiations with the United States, adding that consultations with the mediators on a two-day proposal were still underway.
According to the Tehran Times, consultations with Qatari mediators were continuing over a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days, provided that the United States met Iran's conditions. Under the proposal, the US would take the required steps on the first day, while the waterway would reopen on the second day, allowing maritime traffic to return to its previous state.
“Discussions on the two-day proposal are continuing, and the process is moving forward, but we have not yet reached a definitive outcome,” he said, noting that progress depended on the answers the other side provided to Iran’s questions.
The foreign minister said Tehran was making every effort to advance the diplomatic process and expressed hope that Washington would also demonstrate the necessary rationality to prioritize diplomacy over other options.
Left out here: Leaves out what changes the picture
The article reports Araghchi's hope that Washington would 'prioritize diplomacy' but never says that the US had just sent a letter from JD Vance, through Qatari mediators, proposing a meeting. Araghchi called the letter a 'positive step' and said Iran sees no need to meet US officials at present. Without this, a reader may think the US has made no diplomatic approach and that the next move rests wholly with Washington.
How we know
- Press TV reported“Vance’s letter was handed to Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, through Qatari mediators on Sunday.”Iran has studied letter from Vance; has no plans to meet US officials: Araghchi (opens in a new tab)
- The Jerusalem Post reported““We see no need to meet with the Americans at present," he said.”Araghchi says Vance's letter 'positive step' toward opening dialogue between Iran, US (opens in a new tab)
Turning to Iran’s defense preparedness, Araghchi referred to directives issued by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to senior military commanders, saying they clearly demonstrated the Islamic Republic’s resolve.
He added that Iran’s Armed Forces had been assigned a clear mission and had become stronger than before by drawing on the experience gained in the two previous wars.
Araghchi reiterated that Iran remained prepared for both defense and diplomacy, emphasizing that the course of future developments would depend on the decisions and judgment of the United States.
“Whether the Americans choose diplomacy or another path depends on their own rationality,” he said.
Read the original article on tehrantimes.com (opens in a new tab)