FM: Iran Is Ready to Enter Nuclear Negotiations Based on Equality, Mutual Interests, and Respect

Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister, expressed his satisfaction about being in Turkey and discussing with his Turkish counterpart during the press conference held in Istanbul.
He noted, "Turkey and Iran have been neighbors and friends in both easy and difficult times for one another. The historical relations between the two countries have always been brotherly and friendly. In recent developments, especially during the military aggression of the Zionist regime against the Iranian nation, and particularly in the events of January orchestrated by Israeli agents from abroad, our friends in Turkey have always supported us, and Turkish officials have taken very valuable and principled positions."

He continued, "On behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I appreciate the responsible positions of the President, Foreign Minister, and other Turkish officials. I also thank Mr. Fidan for expressing condolences for the victims of this terrorist disaster in January."

"We are prepared to enter negotiations if they are based on equality, mutual benefits, and mutual respect. If the negotiations are conducted fairly and justly, the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to participate in these discussions."

Araghchi added, "Both countries agree that regional developments are moving toward a dangerous path due to the unlawful interventions of certain extra-regional powers. The Israeli regime, through sinister and numerous plots, seeks to drag others into war, weaken and fragment the countries of the region, and persist in its expansionist aspirations."

The Iranian Foreign Minister continued: "There is a common understanding in the region that the Israeli regime's hegemonic pursuits and warmongering know no bounds and it considers all nations in the region as objects of its greed. This is a real and tangible threat that is well understood by all countries in the region."

Araghchi emphasized, "To counter these common threats, which are unfortunately supported by the unlimited backing of the U.S. government and some other Western governments, Islamic countries and regional nations must act in coordination."

He mentioned that in his meeting with Mr. Fidan, they discussed the dangers of any new tensions and their destructive effects on the overall security and stability of the region. He stated, "We believe that the security of each country in the region is the security of the entire area, and insecurity and war imply conflict across the region. We welcome any initiative that helps maintain peace and stability, reduces tensions, and neutralizes the treacherous plots of the Zionists."

He added, "The Islamic Republic of Iran has always taken a responsible stance regarding the use of diplomacy to secure Iran's national interests and preserve regional peace and stability. We will not accept dictations or impositions in any form. Previous experiences have shown the insincerity and lack of goodwill of the U.S. in discussions."

Araghchi remarked, "Nonetheless, Iran is prepared to participate in any diplomatic processes that are meaningful, logical, and fair, considering our legitimate concerns and interests. The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to re-enter nuclear negotiations. We have never sought nuclear weapons, and these weapons hold no place in our security calculations. We have been and continue to be ready to build trust regarding the peaceful nature of our nuclear program."

The Iranian Foreign Minister stressed: "We welcome the Turkish government's approach toward regional ownership and support any regional dialogues aimed at establishing peace and stability. We are ready to engage in any discussions between regional countries that seek to create peace, reduce tensions, and strengthen stability."

He continued, "We talked with my dear friend Mr. Fidan about issues in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and other regional challenges. As he also said, we seek to preserve the territorial integrity of Syria, end the military aggression of the Zionist regime, stabilize the country, and establish a government based on the votes of citizens with participation from all sectors in Syria. Ultimately, we are seeking stability and unity for this country, which we assess as contributing to regional stability."

Araghchi highlighted: "In Iraq, we believe that the will of the Iraqi people in the recent elections must be heeded. We congratulate the people of Iraq for a fair election with high participation and reject any forceful intervention that undermines the national sovereignty of this country."

Regarding developments in Lebanon, he said: "In Lebanon, we emphasize that national dialogue must take place among all sects and groups. For the national security doctrine, the Lebanese people and groups must determine their own path, and we support the outcomes of these discussions."

Araghchi remarked: "In Palestine and Gaza, the end of the genocide against Palestinians is a demand of the international community, and expediting humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza is essential. We appreciate the efforts that the Turkish government has made for peace in Gaza."

He continued: "I sincerely thank the constructive role of our brothers in Turkey, especially esteemed President Erdogan and respected Foreign Minister Fidan and we support any involvement of the Turkish government in helping to establish peace and stability in the region and look forward to cooperating."

The Foreign Minister added: "We also discussed bilateral issues, expanding economic cooperation, and addressing existing challenges, which I won't go into detail about due to time constraints, but both sides are seriously willing to expand their economic cooperation."

At the end of the conference, the Iranian Foreign Minister expressed gratitude for the recent stances of Turkish officials, political figures, parliament representatives, parties, thinkers, elites, media, and all segments of the esteemed Turkish nation in supporting the Islamic Republic of Iran against the plots of the Zionist regime.