Spokesman: Iran, US Edge Closer to Finalizing MoU
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baqaei stated Saturday that Tehran and Washington have edged closer to finalizing a memorandum of understanding to end the imposed war that the United States and Israel waged against Iran in late February.
Speaking in a televised interview, Baqaei elaborated on a day-long visit by a Pakistani delegation, led by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir to Tehran.“We are now in the finalization stage of this memorandum of understanding. The topics being discussed at this stage focus broadly on ending the war, halting the US naval aggression - what they themselves have labeled a 'naval blockade'-, and issues related to the release of Iran's blocked assets,” he said. He added that the purpose of the Pakistani delegation’s visit was to continue the exchange of messages between Tehran and Washington. Baqaei emphasized that Iran's focus at this stage remains exclusively on ending the US-Israel imposed war based on the Islamic Republic's 14-point proposal, which has been shuttled back and forth several times. Asked whether Tehran and Washington have drawn closer to an accord or moved further apart following recent meetings between the Pakistani and Iranian authorities, Baqaei stated that Iran cannot be fully confident that the US attitudes will not shift again as before.
However, he acknowledged that after several weeks of dialogue between the two sides, the “process appears to be moving toward a convergence of views".Baqaei emphasized that “moving closer” does not mean that Iran and the US are about to reach an understanding. Rather, he explained, it means that “based on a set of parameters, the two sides may be able to achieve a win-win solution". He outlined the framework of the negotiations, noting, “Our approach has been to first draft a memorandum of understanding consisting of 14 articles. That memorandum would include the most important issues necessary to end the imposed war and matters of fundamental importance to us.” “Subsequently, within a reasonable timeframe of 30 to 60 days, the two sides would discuss the details of these issues and ultimately reach a final accord,” the diplomat continued.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Baqaei pointed to the issue of the Strait of Hormuz, saying the strategic waterway “has nothing to do with America". He added that Iran and Oman, as the coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz, should define a mechanism for it.Asked whether the Strait of Hormuz is included in the 14-point memorandum, the spokesman said the issue would logically be discussed. However, he added, putting an end to “US piracy and maritime banditry” against international shipping is even more important than the Strait of Hormuz.
Asked whether the nuclear issue might be part of any potential accord, Baqaei responded, “At this stage, we are not discussing the details of the nuclear issue." He stated that Iran knows that its nuclear program has been a “pretext” for two aggressive wars against the Iranian people, adding that the country came under illegal attacks even during nuclear negotiations. “In later stages – within 30 days, 60 days, or whatever timeframe is ultimately agreed upon – we can discuss the nuclear issue or other mutually agreed matters separately. But at this stage, as stated, all our focus is on ending the war,” the spokesperson emphasized.
On the subject of sanctions, Baqaei added Iran has made clear to American parties that sanctions are both “illegal and inhumane". Given that Tehran is not discussing details about the nuclear issue at this stage, it is also not discussing the specifics of sanctions removal in this short window, he continued. However, he stressed that Iran's demand for the removal of all sanctions has been explicitly included in the text.“This is our constant demand in any interaction with intermediaries,” he noted.Baqaei stressed that “both the nuclear issue and the issue of releasing Iran's blocked funds are included in the 14-point memorandum of understanding".#Iran#US
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