Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said Tehran remains committed to diplomacy to protect its national interests and security while maintaining its determination to defend itself.
Araghchi said Iran’s delegation had presented its conditions and considerations to mediators through a detailed and operational plan, as Tehran continues diplomatic efforts amid heightened regional tensions.
The foreign minister made the remarks during a three-hour meeting with Iranian lawmakers on Tuesday evening as part of ongoing consultations between parliament and the Foreign Ministry on foreign policy and national security matters.
Araghchi briefs lawmakers on UNGA visit
During the meeting, Araghchi gave a detailed account of discussions and diplomatic activities carried out by the Iranian delegation during its visit to New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
He said he and President Masoud Pezeshkian held numerous consultations with representatives of countries attending the UN General Assembly, where Iran presented its positions in what he described as the clearest and strongest possible manner.
Araghchi said Iran’s position was presented against the backdrop of what he described as the Iranian people’s resistance and steadfastness in the face of military aggression by its adversaries.
Iran presents seven-day Hormuz plan
Araghchi said the UN General Assembly also provided Iran with an opportunity to outline what he described as an innovative approach and a seven-day plan to restore security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has previously said its proposal would allow the strategic waterway to reopen within seven days if its conditions are met, with the plan conveyed to the United States through intermediaries.
The Iranian foreign minister said the delegation acted on instructions from the country’s competent authorities and presented Tehran’s conditions to mediators in the form of a precise and operational plan.
He stressed that Iran was simultaneously steadfast and determined in self-defence and serious about using diplomacy to safeguard its national interests and security.
Foreign policy and national security
Araghchi also responded to lawmakers’ questions and considered their proposals and views during the meeting. He provided explanations on a broad range of foreign policy and national security issues, including economic diplomacy, efforts to neutralise sanctions, relations with neighbouring countries, and strengthening public and media diplomacy.
The discussions also covered Iran’s efforts to document what its officials describe as war crimes committed by the United States and Israel, as well as pursuing justice and retribution for those killed in what Iranian officials refer to as the second and third imposed wars.
Lawmakers back continued diplomacy and national unity
Members of the Iranian Parliament praised the Foreign Ministry’s efforts and initiatives to safeguard Iran’s national interests and the rights of the Iranian people.
The lawmakers stressed the importance of continued collective efforts to preserve national unity and cohesion, while calling for simultaneous support for both the “field” and diplomacy in defending Iran’s sovereignty.
Araghchi’s comments come as diplomatic efforts surrounding the Strait of Hormuz remain active. Iran has continued to link any reopening of the waterway to conditions it has presented through intermediaries, while insisting that diplomacy remains an important avenue for protecting its interests.
