Iran on the Verge of Decision-Making Regarding Possible Negotiations in Turkey
The spokesperson of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in his weekly press conference, referred to the possible negotiations in Turkey and stated: “Currently, we are at the stage of reviewing the general and detailed aspects related to advancing the diplomatic process. Regional countries have increased their efforts, and we are on the verge of decision-making, taking all dimensions into consideration.”
Ismail Baghaei, emphasizing the factor of time, added: “Time is of great importance to us. Past experience has shown that the other side has abused the negotiation process. Every day that sanctions are lifted sooner is considered a victory for us. We are examining the matter with care and attention to the urgency of time, and we will make the final decision in the coming days.”
Regarding the possible form and structure of these talks, he stated: “Concerned and sincere countries in the region, which strive to play a positive role, are acting as intermediaries in conveying messages. Various points have been exchanged, and we are examining the details.”
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson, referring to parallel regional developments, said: “Last week, while witnessing the continuation of provocative actions by the United States and the Israeli regime, Iran’s diplomacy has seriously worked to secure national interests and strengthen peace and stability in the region. These efforts have included high-level contacts of foreign officials with the Iranian President and Foreign Minister, as well as visits to countries such as Turkey and Russia.”
He continued: “At the same time, we witnessed an escalation of the crimes of the Zionist regime in Lebanon and Gaza; where, despite an apparent ceasefire, one of the most severe attacks since its beginning has occurred.”
Baghaei, in response to a question about the trilateral exercise of Iran, Russia, and China as well as the exercise of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), clarified: “There has been no specific change in the exercise programs. The trilateral exercise is annual, and so far, seven rounds of it have been held according to schedule. The IRGC exercise is also being conducted according to the predetermined schedule. These exercises are continuously held to enhance the country’s defense capabilities, and turning them into a pretext for creating agitation in society is not correct.”
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson regarding Tehran’s goals from the negotiations said: “The removal of unjust sanctions is definitely a fundamental priority. As the honorable Minister recently emphasized, the nuclear issue has been a pretext for imposing war against Iran for years. In exchange for confidence-building measures regarding the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program, our logical demand is the complete removal of these sanctions.”
Finally, regarding the summoning of European ambassadors to the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he said: “Following the recent action of the European Union in labeling the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as terrorist, yesterday and today, the representatives of all member countries of this union that have embassies in Tehran were summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
