Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, senior negotiators of Iran, emphasized in their statements the combined approach of war and diplomacy by Tehran in the current circumstances. They pointed to signs of an open path for negotiations to end the war while also noting the military movements of the United States in the region.
Emphasis on Military Readiness and Diplomacy
The Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly explicitly stated in his pre-speech remarks: "We both fight and negotiate." Referring to the strategy of power and rationality, he expressed that Iran will not be pressured by the opposing side while simultaneously being present in the military battlefield. Qalibaf also emphasized that the one who is victorious in the negotiation field is the one who has prepared themselves for war.
The Strait of Hormuz and Iran's Conditions
Qalibaf continued by mentioning the Strait of Hormuz and stated that this strait will remain closed until the fulfillment of Iran's seven conditions based on the Islamabad agreement. This position indicates that Tehran will not return to the previous status without receiving guarantees, and the era of wasting time and dictating unilateral demands has ended.
On the other hand, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi also emphasized the capacity of diplomacy in a gathering of foreign ambassadors residing in Tehran, stating that the Islamic Republic is serious about finding a peaceful solution. He also warned that if the military option is chosen again, the United States will face a stronger response than before.
Achieving a Sustainable Agreement
A review of the statements by Qalibaf and Araghchi shows that they are seeking to achieve a framework that ends the war and prevents the reproduction of the cycle of conflict. The simultaneity of diplomatic proposals with military arrangements can be used as a tool to manage the tense situation. Neither side can achieve a sustainable outcome by relying on military pressure or dragging out the diplomatic process.
Ultimately, the suitable formula for both sides is neither the continuation of war nor getting caught in endless negotiations, but rather realistic flexibility to end the war. Diplomacy should transform from a tool of erosion to a path for achieving an agreement, and military readiness should serve as a backing for reaching sustainable peace.
