Araghchi: We have moved nuclear issues to the second phase

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi made new statements to the Iranian media regarding the memorandum of understanding expected to be signed between the US and Iran.

Araghchi noted that Iran and the US have not approved the texts circulating in the press regarding the agreement in question, stating that none of them have any validity.

Araghchi stated, "The best time to end the war is when we have the upper hand; we are truly in a winning position on the battlefield. We have resisted for 40 days against the world's so-called superpower. Reaching an agreement and ending the war will consolidate this victory."

Araghchi stated that under the agreement, the US will confirm in writing that it respects Iran's sovereignty, adding, "The memorandum of understanding covers nuclear issues, the lifting of sanctions on Iran, the reconstruction process, and issues related to frozen assets."

The Iranian minister also stated that a mechanism regarding Iran's frozen assets is being evaluated.

"The agreement consists of two phases"

Emphasizing that a final agreement has not yet been reached between the parties, Araghchi said that if the agreement is completed, he will explain every article in detail. The Iranian minister said, "The agreement consists of two phases, and we have moved nuclear issues to the second phase."

The Iranian minister noted that at the current stage, the US's demands regarding nuclear issues are absolutely unacceptable.

"We are dealing with people in the US who do not keep their commitments"

Pointing out that they are approaching the negotiation process cautiously, the Iranian official said, "We are dealing with people in the US who do not keep their commitments; therefore, we need to prevent them from backing down from their obligations. The difference between this agreement and previous ones is that a final consensus has not yet been reached. This is only the first step or the first phase. If the agreements reached in the first phase are not implemented, we will not proceed to the second phase."

Araghchi said, "We must expect the other side to create various problems and difficulties in the process of implementing the agreement."

The Iranian minister also conveyed that the US will commit under the memorandum of understanding not to start a war and not to use threats.

"Ending the war means Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon"

Araghchi said that ending the war under the agreement also means Israel's withdrawal from the regions it occupies in southern Lebanon. Araghchi stated, "We have clearly conveyed this point to the other side."

The Iranian minister declared, "We will never leave Hezbollah in Lebanon alone. The end of the war will not cover only one front, but will encompass Lebanon and all other fronts."

Emphasizing that the Tehran administration will not back down in the face of any threat, Araghchi added, "If we were to bow to threats of attacks on our infrastructure, we would have done so long ago. We have conveyed the message to the other side that threats are counterproductive, and if they want to move towards war, we have told them that we are ready for it."

"Economic reconstruction will be decided in subsequent negotiations"

Araghchi also underlined that the issue of rebuilding Iran's damaged regions and economy has come to the agenda as an "economic reconstruction and development plan" and that this will be decided in subsequent negotiations. Araghchi also stated that the potential agreement has "enemies" and that Israel is at the top of this list, saying that "the Zionist regime is trying to create obstacles to disrupt the process." The Iranian minister stated that administrations will only reach an agreement at a point where both sides are satisfied.

"Fees will be charged for services provided in the Strait of Hormuz"

Araghchi also made a statement regarding how the Strait of Hormuz will be operated in the post-war period. The Iranian minister said, "The Strait of Hormuz is undoubtedly under the sovereignty of Iran and Oman. There is no international waterway in the Strait of Hormuz. This route has been open to all ships for many years. Iran and Oman provided security and offered services; until today, these services were provided free of charge. However, the future management of the Strait of Hormuz will not be as it was in the past."

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi stated, "No one can challenge the sovereignty of Iran and Oman over the strait. The management of the Strait of Hormuz will not return to the pre-war system. Fees will be charged for services provided in the Strait of Hormuz; these services will no longer be free. This important point has been clarified. Fees will have to be paid to benefit from the services."

News Source: 12punto