▲ Esmaeil Baghaei, Spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its denial on June 30 (local time) of President Donald Trump's remarks that an Iranian delegation was scheduled to meet with a U.S. delegation in Doha, Qatar.
However, the ministry stated that it plans to evaluate the implementation of the terms of the previous Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) over the coming days, and based on this, decide on the timing and format for negotiations toward a final agreement with the United States.
During a press briefing that day, Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, responded to a question regarding a meeting between the two delegations in Doha by saying, "We had no plans to hold any level of talks with the U.S. side in the coming days, so there was no meeting to cancel in the first place."
He explained, "What is expected in Doha tomorrow is a discussion with the Qatari side regarding the implementation of several articles of the MOU, including provisions related to the release of Iran's frozen assets."
Regarding the potential negative impact of recent U.S. strikes on targets within Iran on the ongoing peace negotiations, Baghaei warned, "We consider such actions a violation of Article 1 of the MOU," adding, "If these violations are repeated and continue, the progress of negotiations will face difficulties."
He noted that while a relatively favorable situation has been created regarding some provisions of the MOU—such as ending the maritime blockade, issuing sanctions waivers related to the sale of Iranian crude oil and petrochemical products, and Iran's commitments regarding the Strait of Hormuz—some issues are facing serious challenges.
When asked about the essential conditions for a final agreement, he reaffirmed the existing position, stating, "To begin negotiations for a final agreement, the implementation of Articles 1, 4, 5, 10, and 11 of the MOU must begin and be sustained."
Baghaei emphasized, "We must evaluate the progress of these articles over the coming days, and based on this, decide when and how to begin negotiations for a final agreement."
Regarding reports that Oman, a coastal state of the Strait of Hormuz, has opened a new route for vessel transit and that ships are moving through this route under U.S. escort, he said, "Iran will negotiate with Oman to determine future transit methods and maritime services in accordance with applicable international law and the sovereign rights of the coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz, and will also consult with other coastal states of the Persian Gulf."
(Photo: Captured from the Iranian Foreign Ministry website, Yonhap News)
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