Iran's Araghchi: No Final Agreement Talks Under External Threats

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on July 7 reaffirmed that Iran will not initiate negotiations for a final agreement if external threats persist. Araghchi stated via X (formerly Twitter) that millions of Iranians rallied in unity to honor Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, emphasizing that the nation and military remain unshaken by threats. The statement references Article 13 of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) Iran signed with the United States on the 17th, which stipulates that negotiations for a final agreement will commence only after implementation of specific provisions including maritime blockade removal and sanctions relief.

Araghchi Cites MOU Article 13 as Condition for Talks

Araghchi declared that "Article 13 of the MOU is clear" and stated that "if threats continue, negotiations for a final agreement will not begin." While the Foreign Minister did not specify which countries or negotiating partners he was addressing, the statement is interpreted as directed toward the United States and other nations with whom Iran has regional tensions. Araghchi wrote that "millions of proud Iranian people united to honor Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his legacy," adding that "the people and brave Iranian military are not shaken by any threats."

MOU Requires Implementation of Four Articles Before Negotiations

Article 13 of the MOU Iran signed with the United States on the 17th contains provisions stating that negotiations for a final agreement will commence only after Articles 4, 5, 10, and 11 are implemented. Articles 4 and 5 cover the lifting of maritime blockades and removal of mines. Articles 10 and 11 address exemptions from export sanctions and the unfreezing of assets. The MOU stipulates that once these four articles are fulfilled, negotiations on the remaining provisions for a final agreement will begin.

Iran Demands Respect for Signed Commitments

Araghchi urged the other party to fulfill existing agreements, stating "respect the signed commitments." The Foreign Minister's statement emphasizes Iran's position that progress toward a final agreement depends on the counterparty's adherence to the terms outlined in the MOU signed on the 17th.

FAQ

What did Iran's Foreign Minister say on July 7?

Abbas Araghchi stated via X that Iran will not start negotiations for a final agreement if external threats continue, citing Article 13 of the MOU signed with the United States on the 17th.

What conditions must be met before Iran begins final agreement negotiations?

According to the MOU Article 13, negotiations will commence only after implementation of Articles 4, 5, 10, and 11, which cover maritime blockade removal, mine clearance, export sanction exemptions, and asset unfreezing.