Iran’s Araghchi says no nuclear talks unless interim deal is implemented

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says management of the Strait of Hormuz will not return to the pre-war era, that sovereignty over the strait belonged to Iran and Oman, and that Iran would secure safe passage for ships through it.

“Iran has made a firm decision that the administration of Strait of Hormuz will no longer be the same as before,” he says in a state TV interview, adding that discussions were ongoing with Oman on the matter.

“The naval blockade must be completely lifted. That is the first point mentioned in the agreement,” Araghchi says, regarding the emerging MOU with the US.

The foreign minister clarifies that nuclear talks with the United States will only take place after the MOU is signed.

He says the interim deal will include reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending conflicts on multiple fronts, adding that the memorandum of understanding has not yet been signed and could still change.

“I must frankly say that this agreement has enemies, the foremost of which is the Zionist regime, who are looking for pretexts to derail it,” says Araghchi.

He says the deal, if reached, would be signed “remotely” and could happen “in the coming days.”

“As soon as the final stages of our negotiations are completed, this agreement will be signed and announced. The signing will initially take place digitally. Each side will sign remotely. After that, it will be announced that this memorandum of understanding has been signed by both parties,” says Araghchi. “This could happen in the coming days. I am very hopeful.”

Araghchi says Tehran believes the only way to deal with its stockpile of highly enriched uranium is dilution inside the country.

“Our position has always been that the only way to deal with the stockpile of enriched material is to dilute it inside Iran,” says Araghchi, in what could be a non-starter for the US.