Mojtaba Demirtchilu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Azerbaijan, gave an interview to Modern.az website. He answered our questions regarding the ceasefire agreement reached between the US and Iran and the upcoming talks in Pakistan. We present the interview with the Ambassador:
- Does Iran consider the ceasefire agreement fair enough in terms of its conditions?
- The Islamic Republic of Iran has never been a proponent of war and has resorted to military operations only when subjected to aggression, exercising its inalienable and legitimate right to self-defense. Therefore, it welcomes any initiative that puts an end to tension and war, leading to lasting stability in the region. We hope that the agreement reached on the ceasefire and the commencement of negotiations will provide the necessary conditions for the establishment of peace and sustainable stability.
Naturally, Iran views this ceasefire as an initial step towards halting military confrontations. Future developments, including the extent to which the opposing party adheres to its commitments during the ceasefire period and in the subsequent negotiation process, will determine whether a final peace agreement will be reached or if confrontations will resume.
- What are the specific expectations regarding the lifting of sanctions?
- The Islamic Republic of Iran's expectations regarding the lifting of sanctions are not merely a political demand; rather, they are based on legal rights, international obligations, and economic realities. We strive for concrete and tangible results in the welfare of the people and the process of free trade.
Our primary and realistic expectation is the normalization of economic relations. Iran must be able to use international financial systems for import and export operations without extraterritorial (cross-border) restrictions. This includes full access to foreign exchange revenues obtained from the sale of oil and non-oil products, and the free transfer of these funds. The real and sustainable economic benefits resulting from the lifting of sanctions should not remain merely on paper but must manifest themselves in practice.
- What compromises is Iran prepared to make regarding its nuclear program?
- Unfortunately, the US and the Zionist regime, within the framework of their egoistic policies, have created an unrealistic environment regarding Iran's nuclear program deviating from its essence and are promoting it. Iran's nuclear program is completely transparent. Our activities are under the full supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and its peaceful nature has been repeatedly confirmed. Benefiting from peaceful nuclear energy is the legitimate right of all states, and undoubtedly, the Islamic Republic of Iran also wishes to exercise its natural right. Thus, what Iran desires, and unfortunately has been deprived of, is to exercise its natural rights.
I must highlight a few key points:
- Return to commitments in exchange for lifting sanctions: Iran has always stated that if the opposing parties fully return to their commitments under the nuclear agreement (JCPOA), and if the oppressively imposed sanctions are effectively and verifiably lifted, it is prepared to reverse the nuclear steps it took in response to the US's unilateral withdrawal from the agreement. This is a logical balance of action based on the "step-by-step" principle.
- We are prepared to continue high-level transparent cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency within the framework of a fair agreement, with the aim of further clarifying the peaceful nature of our program for the international community.
- Compromise does not mean a nation renouncing its inalienable rights within the framework of international agreements. We do not intend to make concessions; our goal is to achieve a point of balance where both Iran's right to benefit from peaceful nuclear technology is respected and the technical concerns of the opposing parties are addressed. Although some of the issues raised are entirely unfounded and carry political motives.
- Is the reduction of military activities in the region on the agenda?
- The Islamic Republic of Iran has always been of the opinion that the security of the region can only be ensured through mutual trust, dialogue, and constructive cooperation among regional countries. Recent war experiences have proven that the presence of foreign forces and interventions from outside the region, instead of contributing to stability, become a source of tension themselves. As for military activities, our principled policy is based on deterrence and defense. We positively welcome every initiative that serves to reduce tension in the region and strengthen good neighborly relations.
Therefore, every step taken towards lasting stability and the elimination of mutual misunderstandings is on the agenda of our diplomatic consultations with our brothers in neighboring countries. We believe that with the cessation of military aggression by the US and the Zionist regime, the time has come for strengthening regional cooperation, especially in the economic sphere, and for identifying mutual interests. This should create a basis for closer integration and partnership, preventing any tension and conflict.
- What steps should be taken to restore trust with the US?
- The issue of trust in international relations is not an abstract concept; rather, it stems from adherence to agreements reached and mutual respect for the national sovereignty of countries. In response to your question regarding the restoration of trust between Iran and the US, it is necessary to emphasize a few key and practical points:
The issue of distrust towards the US has a considerably long history. The coup d'état in 1953, which resulted in the overthrow of the national government, is one of its clear examples. Over the past 60 years, American actions against Iran have led to the formation of institutional distrust in the country. Naturally, a change in this situation requires serious steps to be taken by the US.
The first and most important step to repair the wall of distrust is fidelity to commitments. The US's unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA (Nuclear Agreement), an international treaty endorsed by the UN Security Council, dealt a devastating blow to mutual trust. The restoration of this environment necessitates an effective return to commitments, as well as the lifting of illegal and unilateral sanctions targeting the livelihood of the Iranian people.
The failed "maximum pressure" policy yielded no results for Washington; on the contrary, it further widened the distances. For any change in the current situation, replacing the rhetoric of confrontation with the language of respect is a fundamental condition. The United States must accept that Iran is an influential and powerful actor in the region; one cannot speak to the Iranian people in the language of threats.
Practical steps always hold greater significance than political rhetoric. The unfreezing of the Iranian people's assets can be considered a positive step as a demonstration of goodwill.
We have always emphasized that the security of the region must be ensured by the regional countries. Intervention by extra-regional forces has always created tension. If the US wishes to reduce tension, it must respect the will of the regional peoples and abandon interventionist approaches.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has always emphasized its advocacy for "constructive interaction" with the world based on the principles of "dignity, wisdom, and expediency". Now the ball is in the US's court. They must prove their commitment to real change on the path of diplomacy by making courageous political decisions and rectifying their past mistakes. We evaluate the opposing party not by their words, but by their real actions and deeds.
