Iran (IMNA) - The Iranian Foreign Ministry emphasized the importance of proper negotiation protocols, warning that meaningful dialogue with the United States requires mutual respect for diplomatic standards. Responding to remarks by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani, who indicated that neither Iran nor the US opposes talks, and to reports in the Washington Post suggesting renewed US engagement efforts, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson commended Iraq’s commitment to regional peace and stability.
“We commend the sincere efforts of all regional countries to help reduce tensions,” said Esmaeil Baghaei. He added that, based on experiences over the past five to six months, initiating negotiations requires adherence to proper diplomatic conduct, and without this foundation, meaningful talks remain unrealistic.
Baghaei reiterated that Iran consistently prioritizes diplomacy as a vital tool for defending and advancing national interests. “Whenever we assess that diplomacy is effective, we will not hesitate to employ it,” he said.
Clarifying remarks attributed to Abbas Araghchi, Baghaei stated that the communication channel with the US remains intact through the interests section. Contacts previously established between Araghchi and the US special envoy also continue, he added, stressing that the decision to use the channel is separate from its mere existence.
Criticizing recent exchanges between Iran’s UN ambassador Amir Saeed Iravani and the US representative at the UN Security Council, as well as comments by Morgan Ortagus during the Council session, Baghaei described the US position as contradictory. He noted that claiming readiness for talks while imposing unacceptable preconditions undermines the credibility of negotiation efforts.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani confirmed that Iraq is actively seeking to arrange a bilateral meeting between Iran and the US in Baghdad to resume dialogue. According to Baghdad Al-Youm, al-Sudani highlighted Iraq’s role in reducing tensions and emphasized that relations with Iran at official, political, and popular levels are positive, which Baghdad hopes will facilitate renewed talks with Washington.
The statement comes amid a historical backdrop of regional conflict. On June 13, 2025, Israel launched an unprovoked attack on Iran during ongoing nuclear negotiations, triggering a 12-day war that claimed at least 1,064 lives, including military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. The United States also bombed three Iranian nuclear sites, a move Iran described as a serious violation of international law.
In retaliation, Iranian Armed Forces targeted strategic sites across occupied territories and the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar, the largest US military base in West Asia. By June 24, Iran had successfully halted the aggression through its military operations against both Israel and the United States
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