TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reportedly sent written messages to the United States through Pakistani intermediaries, outlining Iran’s “red lines” concerning nuclear issues and the strategic Strait of Hormuz. According to an Iranian news agency report, these messages were delivered during Araghchi’s recent visit to Islamabad.
According to the Fars News Agency, the Iranian communications to the US were not sent as part of any negotiations that are currently taking place between the two countries. Instead, this initiative was launched to make sure that Iran communicates its position in regard to important issues in the region. In essence, the messages cover the nuclear issue and the security of the Strait of Hormuz among other demands that the Islamic Republic has for the US.
The sources have revealed that Abbas Araghi communicated the red lines in a clear manner without exceeding Iran’s diplomatic borders.
Following the meetings that he held with Pakistani top-level officials such as Field Marshal Asim Munir and the Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, Araghchi proceeded to travel to Russia to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for consultations on more regional issues.
The visit by Araghchi to Pakistan, which involved meetings with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar among others, shows the continuous efforts made by Iran to maintain solid diplomatic ties with its regional partners and assert its important strategic interests to the international community.
Trump says war with Iran could end quickly, offers direct talks
Earlier, US President Donald Trump has stated that the ongoing tensions with Iran could come to an end swiftly, suggesting that the United States is on track for significant success in the matter. Trump also extended an invitation for direct talks with Iran, stating that if they wish to negotiate, they can contact the US anytime.
In an interview on Fox News channel, Trump said that “If they want to talk, they can come to us or just give us a call. You know, there’s a telephone, and we have reliable lines for that.”
The US President made it clear that any future agreements will concern the question of Iran having no nuclear weapons; this condition has to be met before a discussion between representatives can take place. “As you see, it’s very simple – if they cannot have nuclear weapons, then why would we meet?” the president pointed out.
Concerning his idea of sending a delegate to Islamabad previously mentioned, Trump claimed that it did not happen because it takes too long to get there; namely, he stated, “It takes several hours to fly there, so I said we’re not doing that anymore. We have everything.”
