Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the draft agreement in talks with the US has reached its final stage and the text could be signed in the coming days. Araghchi also stressed that Iran will not back down on its national interests.
Speaking in a television interview, Araghchi warned against trusting unofficial information about the proposed drafts. According to him, the core of the talks centers on lifting maritime restrictions and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
New Arrangement for the Strait of Hormuz
Araghchi noted that the Strait of Hormuz is jointly managed by Iran and Oman and said the future arrangement will differ from previous practices. He explained that services previously provided in this area were free, but going forward, ships will be charged a service fee.
However, he emphasized that this fee will not be a transit toll. He explained that international law does not permit such a toll, but fees related to facilities and services in the strait can be collected.
The Iranian minister added that discussions are ongoing with China and Oman on this matter, and a joint statement from Tehran and Muscat is expected.
Frozen Assets and Nuclear Material
Araghchi also rejected statements by some US officials regarding Iran’s enriched nuclear materials. He said that if any arrangement is made in the future, the material must remain inside Iran.
He further stated that frozen Iranian funds will be released after the agreement is finalized. Reconstruction plans are also on the agenda, with efforts underway to compensate for the damages Iran has suffered.
The second phase of the talks will address sanctions relief, the future of nuclear materials, and the reconstruction fund. According to the Iranian side, the memorandum of understanding is less than two pages long but has been revised multiple times.
Final Decision by the Supreme National Security Council
Araghchi said the negotiations are overseen by the Supreme National Security Council, which will also make the final decision. He noted that all demands regarding the agreement’s content have been carefully incorporated into the text.
The Iranian minister explained that the process is proceeding in two phases; nuclear issues have been deferred to the second phase, while sanctions relief, reconstruction steps, and frozen assets are addressed in the initial agreement.
Araghchi said that if the process is successfully completed, the agreement could be signed digitally and remotely, followed by an official announcement. He also called on the media to allow the talks to proceed calmly.
Parliament Speaker Also Emphasizes Commitment to Agreement
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, in a separate message, said any potential agreement must be based on full implementation of the commitments made. Ghalibaf wrote that promises must be upheld and fulfilled without excuses.
He stated there is no alternative and that parties will ultimately face the consequences of their actions. This message came just hours after Araghchi said the agreement is nearing its final stage.
