Ghalibaf: Zurich Talks Accelerated Asset Release, Enacted Sanctions Suspension
Tehran - BORNA - Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, in the second part of a televised interview covering the latest regional political developments, the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and the Switzerland talks, remarked: "Several times the US claimed it wouldn't pay a single dime. Didn't they say they wouldn't give anything? Yet, in the end, they were forced to comply and paid 12 billion dollars."
Pointing to his trip to Qatar, he added: "Frankly, our friends—the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and the Emir of Qatar—helped immensely and provided excellent mediation. They stepped in directly because 6 billion dollars was held there, and they guaranteed the other 6 billion dollars. We officially signed the document during the Zurich trip and negotiations."
Ghalibaf continued: "They ask why I went to Zurich. I went there, the US Deputy Treasury Secretary and [JD] Vance arrived, the OFAC [agreement] was signed, the funds were released the next morning, and it was finalized. If I don't go, this won't get done. Then wouldn't they ask, 'Mr. Ghalibaf, what happened to the conditions?'"
The Supreme Leader Wisely Emphasized the Nation Awaits Fulfillment of the MoU Conditions
He stated: "It is the courage and wisdom of the Supreme Leader to state that he and the people are waiting for the realization of the MoU conditions. This very memorandum constitutes the conditions, and everyone is pursuing it. In this situation, what should I do? Abandon the conditions and say go to war? If they are not realized, I will fight."
Let the People Have Peace
Ghalibaf continued: "There are those who assist the country neither in diplomacy nor in war. So, stop creating headaches and do not parrot Trump's rhetoric here; it is not good. Allow the people to have peace and feel proud of the Islamic Republic."
He emphasized: "Avenging our Imam means the liberation of Al-Quds (Jerusalem). We must preserve the territory of Lebanon. Vengeance cannot be achieved with mere slogans; it is realized through power, because our enemy understands no language other than the language of force."
Avenging Our Imam Means the Liberation of Al-Quds
The head of Iran’s negotiating delegation noted: "We must seriously pursue two objectives using the opportunity provided to us: the economy, people's livelihoods, and domestic investment, alongside the modernization of the Armed Forces. If we are weak, we will be humiliated, and that does not benefit our country. We must become strong. How often did our martyred Imam say 'Strong Iran, Strong Iran, Strong Iran'? Today, we have demonstrated that Iran, by the grace of its people, is strong."
Ghalibaf pointed out: "The second part of the memorandum is being pursued consecutively. The situation regarding Lebanon is stabilizing. The crucial point is that the sole subject of our negotiations with the US is strictly these 14 clauses of the MoU; the US cannot add anything else to it throughout these talks."
Reports on IAEA Inspectors' Access to Bombarded Nuclear Sites are False
In response to a question regarding IAEA inspectors' access to nuclear facilities, the chief negotiator stated: "This is a lie. We ourselves passed a law in the Parliament, and the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) has a binding resolution on this. Based on this law, access to sites that have been bombarded and damaged is absolutely prohibited. This is the law."
He added: "We grant no privileges beyond the access levels designated by the Supreme National Security Council, which has strictly defined the framework."
Where is IAEA Inspection Permitted?
Ghalibaf clarified: "Currently, they only have the right of access in two instances: the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant and the Tehran Reactor. Access has been limited strictly to this level, and we remain committed to it. We tell the US that this access exists, and the IAEA can conduct its work according to its routine."
My Duty is to Serve All Iranian People of Any Belief or Religion
Expressing gratitude to the nation, he said: "It is my duty to serve all Iranian people living under the umbrella of the Islamic Republic, regardless of their political tastes or religion. My duty is to solve economic problems and secure the country's safety."
Ghalibaf concluded: "I am a representative of the people. One day, the youth of this nation fought on the frontlines, and today we suffer, sacrifice our reputation, and shed blood for the path of the martyrs, the Imam of the martyrs, and our national and revolutionary values. We must work for God, not for personal gain."
Unity is Vital for Us
The head of our country's negotiating delegation emphasized: "Today, unity is more vital for us than anything else. Unity does not mean aligning with this party or that faction; rather, it finds meaning around the Vali-e Faqih (Supreme Leader), and the sacred unity lies here. There is no tent except the tent of Velayat (Leadership)."
End Article