Araghchi Outlines Iran’s Conditions for a “Complete End to the War”

Tehran - BORNA - Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, said in an interview with Al Jazeera that ongoing communications between the parties do not in any way signify the start of negotiations and are merely conducted in the form of message exchanges.

He specified that these messages are conveyed either directly or through friendly countries in the region and include warnings or mutual viewpoints.

Araghchi also said that he continues to receive messages from individuals such as Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Envoy for West Asia, but stressed that these communications should not be interpreted as negotiations.

Rejecting any formal talks with specific parties, the Iranian foreign minister emphasized that all messages are exchanged through the Foreign Ministry within a defined framework and under the supervision of the Supreme National Security Council, while noting that contacts between security institutions are also ongoing.

Araghchi added that Iran has so far given no response to U.S. proposals and has neither presented any plan nor any conditions, and that no decision has been made to enter negotiations.

Referring to Tehran’s conditions for ending the war, he said that Iran seeks a “complete end to the war” at the regional level, not merely a limited ceasefire.

He further emphasized that guarantees to prevent the recurrence of attacks and the payment of reparations are among the main conditions for ending the war.

Criticizing the language used by U.S. officials, he said that threats against the Iranian nation are unacceptable and that the U.S. president must speak with respect.

In another part of the interview, Araghchi addressed the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the waterway is fully open, but closed to countries that are at war with Iran.

He added that Iran has taken the necessary measures to ensure the safe passage of vessels belonging to friendly countries and that the waterway could become a route for peace.

The Iranian foreign minister further stated that Iran is prepared for any ground confrontation, but hopes that the opposing sides will not make miscalculations.

Emphasizing that Iran did not initiate the war, he said that Tehran’s actions are solely within the framework of self-defense.

Araghchi also stated that Iran does not target friendly countries along the Persian Gulf, and that attacks are directed only at U.S. bases and assets in the region.

He also referred to the future of relations with neighboring countries, saying that despite some difficulties in the path of confidence-building, Tehran is confident that these relations will be rebuilt in the future.

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