Iran's MFA spokesperson: Talks focus on ending war, not nuclear issues

Iran’s Foreign Ministry says ongoing negotiations are primarily focused on ending regional hostilities rather than on the technical details of the country’s nuclear programme.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said the current discussions prioritise ending the conflict across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media. 

“The focus of the negotiations is on ending the war, and at this stage we are not discussing nuclear weapons,” Baqaei said. 

He added that provisions in a draft preliminary agreement reportedly include ending hostilities in several theatres of conflict, while noting that recent developments stem from weeks of talks involving mediation.

“The events of the past few days that have made the news are the result of several weeks of negotiations mediated by Pakistan; however, other countries have also assisted in this matter," he added. 

Baqaei also addressed the issue of the Strait of Hormuz, stating that governance of the key maritime chokepoint would be determined by coastal states rather than external actors.

“A country that was able to stand up to two nuclear-armed regimes for 40 days and force them to abandon their goals is certainly capable of demonstrating its power.

As for the Strait of Hormuz, this agreement does not discuss the details, and how to manage the strait is a matter for the coastal states. We are also in contact with many other countries to ensure the establishment of a mechanism that guarantees the safety and security of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as best protects the interests and benefits of the international community,” he stated.

By Sabina Mammadli