Iran: Peace Talks Will Not Begin if Threats Continue

Istanbul (ANTARA) - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday emphasised that negotiations to reach a final peace agreement with the United States will not commence if threats against Iran persist.

Via a post on the social media platform X, Araghchi cited the provisions of Article 13 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which was signed by Iran and the United States last month.

“Article 13 of the Memorandum of Understanding clearly states that negotiations regarding a final agreement will not begin if threats continue. Respect your signatures,” Araghchi wrote.

The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, mediated by Pakistan, came into effect on 18 June after being electronically signed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump.

The 14-point agreement initiated a 60-day diplomatic period through indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States to achieve a permanent peace treaty.

Araghchi’s statement was made several hours after Trump warned that Washington is prepared to use military force should diplomatic avenues fail.

“We will reach a deal, or we will finish what we have started. It will not be difficult to do. However, I prefer to reach a deal because I do not want 91 million people to be affected,” Trump told reporters at the White House.

This statement also follows threats made a day earlier by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, who vowed to “neutralise” any future Iranian leader attempting to attack his country.

In the same post, Araghchi also shared photographs showing large crowds of mourners in Tehran during the funeral procession for Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Khamenei died on 28 February, the first day of the outbreak of war between the United States, Israel, and Iran.