Gharibabadi: Iran Will Not Initiate Request for Negotiations with US

Gharibabadi: The Islamic Republic of Iran will not be the first to request talks with the United States; under pressure, we will not retreat from our principled positions regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs: Today, in a phone call with an official from the foreign ministry of one of the countries... Gharibabadi: There is no divergence in approach between diplomacy and the field; foreign policy decisions in wartime are made in coordination with the field. Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs: The important point is that the government, officials of the executive branch, the negotiating delegation, and the entire foreign policy apparatus of the Islamic Republic of Iran are part of the people themselves. It is true that today we have responsibilities and are tasked with carrying out duties, but we are all alongside the people, and our main concern is safeguarding the country’s national interests and national security. What I am saying today is not merely my personal view as the deputy foreign minister; it is the position of the foreign policy establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This is the conviction of the foreign minister, the head of the negotiating team, and the country’s entire foreign policy apparatus: under the current circumstances, we must act with authority and resolve and stand alongside the field. When a country is in a state of war, diplomacy must adapt itself to the requirements of the field. We believe in this principle, and there is no divergence in approach on this matter. Of course, in many wars, the end of the conflict...