US must show flexibility in negotiations, not Iran: Gharibabadi
Tehran - BORNA - Kazem Gharibabadi emphasized that the US has breached the peace agreement and must rectify the situation, reiterating that Tehran is not the party expected to make concessions.
Speaking in an interview with the RIA Novosti news agency, Gharibabadi said: "It is not Iran that should be flexible; we are not the ones who violated the Islamabad MoU. The memorandum and the commitments made were violated by the other side. Naturally, they must take compensatory measures to rectify the situation and return to their commitments."
Shortly after the conclusion of the Islamabad MoU—which stipulated that the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened in accordance with Iran's arrangements and in exchange for the implementation of the other side's commitments, including the lifting of sanctions and the illegal naval blockade on Iranian ports—Washington attempted to route ships through alternative paths, a move that was met with a decisive response from the Iranian Armed Forces.
Washington's violation of these commitments led to another wave of clashes between the two sides and the renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has stressed that reopening the strategic waterway is contingent upon the fulfillment of Iran's demands to end the war.
The Islamabad MoU had provided a 60-day window following its implementation for bilateral negotiations on broader issues, including Iran's nuclear program. This opportunity was lost when the implementation of the agreement was halted in recent months, though the exchange of messages has continued through Pakistani and Qatari mediators.
The Iranian deputy foreign minister also told RIA Novosti that Iran is grateful to Russian President Vladimir Putin for his readiness to help resolve the conflict between Tehran and Washington.
Gharibabadi's remarks come after Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Sunday that Putin, in coordination with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, had conveyed Iran's views on a possible settlement of the conflict to US President Donald Trump.
"Russia has always clearly stated its position, which is that this conflict, instigated by the United States, must end and this aggression must stop. Furthermore, Moscow has always declared its readiness to strive for peace. We are grateful that the Russian president, given the immense capacity of this country, has announced his readiness to assist in this regard," Gharibabadi concluded.
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