Iran states US return to Islamabad MoU could reduce tensions
Istanbul (ANTARA) - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that the United States’ return to its commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) could pave the way for easing the ongoing regional tensions.
Araghchi conveyed this on Tuesday during a telephone conversation with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, according to a statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
The two ministers discussed bilateral relations as well as recent developments at both the regional and international levels.
Araghchi attributed current regional tensions to what he described as “Washington’s violation of its commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.”
“The solution is simple. The return of the US to its commitments and its compliance with and signing of the Islamabad MoU will pave the way for a return to normalcy,” he said.
The Iranian minister also provided Motegi with an update regarding recent negotiations between Iran and Oman concerning the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Motegi expressed deep concern over the resumption of attacks between the US and Iran, according to the statement from the Japanese Foreign Ministry.
“It is important to de-escalate the situation immediately and resume negotiations between the US and Iran as soon as possible,” he said.
He urged Iran to demonstrate maximum flexibility to avoid a prolonged stalemate.
Motegi also expressed concern regarding Iran’s ongoing attacks on civilian vessels and firmly requested that Iran exercise maximum restraint.
The Japanese Foreign Minister reaffirmed his position that it is vital to restore free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz without additional costs as soon as possible. He explained that the future of the strait must be discussed by the international community as a whole in accordance with international law.
He also called on Iran to urge the Houthi groups in Yemen to exercise restraint, emphasising the importance of ensuring stability in the Bab El-Mandeb Strait. He noted that Japan would work alongside the Yemeni Government to achieve this goal.