The key facts

  • Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said at the 52nd session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Baghdad that Iran is open to talks but demands 'credible guarantees' against new attacks.
  • According to him, diplomatic efforts over the past two years were repeatedly accompanied by military attacks, which created 'deep distrust'.
  • Araghchi mentioned a seven-day proposal conveyed through Qatar and the 'Islamabad Understanding' of June 17 brokered by Pakistan; maritime traffic recovered to roughly 60% of the pre-war level, after which implementation stalled.

Iran conditions resuming talks on guarantees

Iran remains open to talks but demands 'credible guarantees' before their resumption, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday, as reported by the state agency IRNA. Speaking at the 52nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Baghdad, he said: 'Iran does not accept coercion, threats and intimidation and will not give up its sovereign rights under pressure. But it remains ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and credible guarantees.'

Statements on distrust and diplomacy

Araghchi said that over the past two years Iran had negotiated 'in good faith', but, according to him, diplomatic efforts were repeatedly accompanied by military attacks, which created 'deep distrust' about resuming talks without guarantees against a repetition of such attacks. Nevertheless, he noted, Tehran keeps the door to diplomacy open.

References to proposals and agreements

The minister referred to a previously conveyed seven-day proposal through Qatar, under which, according to him, the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened and normal maritime traffic restored if the necessary conditions were met. He also mentioned the 'Islamabad Understanding' between Iran and the US of June 17, reached with Pakistan's mediation and Qatar's support. According to Araghchi, maritime traffic recovered to roughly 60% of the pre-war level within two weeks, after which implementation of the agreement stalled.

Yemen and Palestine

On the Yemen conflict, Araghchi said there is no military solution, and a settlement must proceed through an inclusive political process and negotiations; Iran is ready to facilitate dialogue between the parties on the basis of the previously agreed peace roadmap. He also reiterated Tehran's position on Palestine and called for coordinated action by OIC members in support of Palestinian rights.

About the OIC summit

The two-day meeting of OIC foreign ministers opened on Saturday in Baghdad; representatives of member states are discussing regional crises, Palestine, peace, development and cooperation. Iraq took over the organisation's rotating chairmanship from Turkey. The forum is held under the motto 'Dialogue and Solidarity: Two Key Pillars for Promoting Peace and Sustainable Development'.