Iran calls Vance note positive
Tehran says it will not meet US officials but is reviewing mediator terms on sanctions and frozen funds.
By Sofia Ramirez ·
Iran's foreign minister called a letter from US Vice President JD Vance a positive step toward dialogue.
Abbas Araghchi made the remarks to Al Jazeera on Friday. Tehran received the letter on Wednesday, according to The Wall Street Journal. Iran has not formally replied yet.
Araghchi said the US trying to open a door to understanding is a good move. He noted that high-level meetings in Tehran discussed the letter. He ruled out an immediate meeting with American officials, calling such reports media speculation.
"We see no need to meet with the Americans at present," Araghchi said. "Our conditions are clear, and mediators are continuing their consultations regarding them." He warned that if the US goal is to stir up discord, it would be a mistake.
The minister stated that Iran is prepared for all scenarios, including war. He said forces are at the highest level of readiness. He added that Iran has upgraded weaponry, fixed vulnerabilities, and tested new arms.
On the nuclear file, Araghchi said Tehran is in the second phase of reviewing proposals from mediators. His aide is in Qatar to continue talks with Qatari and Pakistani officials. Iran reached an arrangement that would reduce the implementation of its proposal to two days.
Iran's conditions include lifting sanctions from the Islamabad memorandum and reducing US forces in the region. Tehran also wants oil waivers restored and frozen funds released, including those in Qatar. Araghchi said reopening the Strait of Hormuz under these conditions would pave the way for negotiations on outstanding issues. He concluded that Iran will not surrender and will stand firm.
