Araghchi: US Return to Islamabad MoU Commitments Is Key to Resolution

Tehran - BORNA - Speaking at the conclusion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and SCO Plus summits in Bishkek, Araghchi outlined the core themes of President Masoud Pezeshkian’s speeches, emphasizing the need for non-Western nations to counter unilateralism, build independent economic, energy, and agricultural pathways, and free themselves from total dependence on Western institutions and standards.

"The political process surrounding the Islamabad MoU was a central question among delegations, and we explained how US breaches brought the agreement to its current state," Araghchi said. "Many leaders, including the UN Secretary-General, viewed the MoU as a major political victory for Iran. The solution is straightforward: Washington must return to the obligations signed by its president. If they do, Iran will reciprocate immediately. We will not take action without them fulfilling their commitments."

Araghchi noted that President Pezeshkian delivered two strong addresses at the main summit and the SCO Plus meeting, asserting Iran’s willingness to resolve issues through diplomacy while stressing that the country will defend itself against aggression. He added that the president also highlighted the ongoing crises in Lebanon and Gaza.

Regarding bilateral engagements, the foreign minister described the intense schedule of official and informal consultations with counterparts from China, India, Pakistan, Turkey, and other regional states. Despite US economic pressures, Araghchi emphasized that foreign partners maintain a strong willingness to cooperate with Iran, with discussions focusing on clearing banking bottlenecks, improving goods transit, and moving stalled joint projects forward.

Addressing the summit's final joint statement, Araghchi praised its strong stance on global issues and noted that the document explicitly condemned the US and Israeli aggression against Iran, expressed solidarity with the Iranian people, and formally denounced the martyrdom of the Supreme Leader. He added that minor reservations raised by two member nations were resolved through diplomatic talks before the statement's final issuance.

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