Responding to US claims of progress in negotiations, Esmaeil Baqaei said at a press conference in Tehran on Monday that recent developments reported in the past few days were the result of several weeks of talks conducted through Pakistani mediation.
It is correct that a large portion of the issues under discussion has reached a conclusion, but no one can claim that the signing of an agreement is imminent, he added, noting that political behavior in the US has become somewhat inconsistent.
Baqaei said the emergence of contradictory US positions within hours complicates any negotiation process.
In reaction to the destructive role of the Zionist regime and decision-making turmoil in the US, Baqaei said there is no doubt that decision-making in Washington is disorganized.
He pointed to waves of resignations, congressional opposition, public opinion, and internal contradictions in the US, adding that this situation has created space for the influence of certain actors, including the Zionist regime.
Regarding reports on a timetable for negotiations, Baqaei said no specific deadline has been set to finalize the understanding. He emphasized that Iran is committed to reaching a result that secures the rights of the Iranian nation as quickly as possible, stressing that what matters most for Tehran is the protection of national interests, and that any outcome will be announced once achieved.
He pointed to a 14-article memorandum that focuses on ending the war, the Strait of Hormuz, and ending “US piracy” against Iran, stressing that in the initial stages, US measures under blockade conditions must be halted, while Iran simultaneously takes steps to ensure safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz. The spokesman explained that the method of implementation falls within Iran’s responsibilities as a coastal state.
On talks within a 60-day framework, Baqaei said the plan is to discuss certain details of the memorandum and other issues within that period, noting that one of the topics is naturally related to nuclear matters.
He made it clear that at this stage Iran is not discussing nuclear details, and reiterated that the 14-article memorandum is focused on ending the war.