Ismail Baqai, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry and the negotiating team, stated during a briefing: "If our national interests are taken into account, the resumption of talks with the US is possible."
According to AZERTAC, citing Iranian media, Baqai answered journalists' questions at his weekly press conference in the capital Tehran.
He said that intermediary countries have conveyed certain messages to Iran and added: "If our national interests are considered, it is possible to restart talks with the US. The dilemma of 'talks or war, diplomacy or military' does not benefit our country. Iran protects its interests sometimes through defense means and sometimes through diplomacy."
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that Iran's sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz is not open to negotiations and added: "With the measures we are taking, we are determined to establish sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. We must not allow the Strait of Hormuz to be used to threaten Iran's national security."
Baqai said that the provisions of the memorandum of understanding signed between Iran and the US are not open to interpretation and that he sees no pretext for Washington to violate its commitments. He reiterated that if the US does not fulfill its obligations, Iran will respond accordingly.
Referring to the visit of Iran's Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni to Pakistan, Baqai said that issues related to the duties and responsibilities of the relevant ministries will be discussed in meetings attended only by officials of the two countries.
