The New Dark Age

Monday, 25 May 2206 — Al Mayadeen English

Iran is prioritizing the protection of its national interests and the rights of its people in talks with the United States, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday, adding that Tehran will definitely give a reciprocal response to any hostile act related to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

He rejected reports claiming that a specific deadline had been set for concluding the negotiations between Tehran and Washington, saying that Iran has not set any timetable for finalizing the diplomatic process.

Baghaei noted that recent signs of progress in Tehran-Washington negotiations are the result of weeks-long mediation efforts by Pakistan and several other countries.

“It is fair to say that we have reached understandings on many issues,” he said. “But whether this means an agreement is imminent is something no one can claim at this stage.”

Baghaei further pointed out that “the focus of the negotiations is on ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon,” stressing that “the clause on halting the aggression against Lebanon is included in the agreement.”

He further emphasized that “ending the war on all fronts, particularly in Lebanon, is one of the core elements of understanding in any agreement.”