Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Advocates for Fair Negotiations and Economic Diplomacy
TEHRAN – In a major address on economic diplomacy, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, has reaffirmed the nation’s readiness for negotiations, provided they are based on mutual respect and benefit, rather than what he termed as “dictation and imposition.”
Speaking at an economic diplomacy conference in Tabriz on Thursday, the senior diplomat outlined the strategic role of the Foreign Ministry in countering sanctions and fostering regional economic ties, while simultaneously championing the untapped potential of Iran’s domestic and provincial capacities.
A Principled Stance on Dialogue
Mr. Araghchi firmly stated that Iran has never abandoned the path of dialogue. “The flag of negotiation has never fallen from the hands of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he declared. However, he emphasized that this mission is pursued while safeguarding national dignity and interests.
“Negotiation must be fair and based on mutual interests, not on dictation and receiving orders,” Araghchi asserted. He clarified that Iran is prepared to engage in talks as soon as the other parties abandon coercive tactics and enter into equitable discussions.
Activating Domestic Frontiers
A central theme of the address was a call for greater self-reliance. While acknowledging the impact of sanctions, the Deputy Foreign Minister argued that a significant portion of economic underperformance stems from neglecting internal capabilities. “We should not put all the problems on the shoulders of sanctions,” he cautioned, criticizing the incomplete utilization of economic potential in border provinces.
He highlighted East Azerbaijan province as a prime example, describing it as a potential “gateway for Iran’s economic interaction with the Caucasus, Turkey, Iraq, Europe, and even Africa.”
Foreign Ministry as a Facilitator
Detailing the ministry’s function, Araghchi explained that its primary role is not direct economic activity but that of an enabler. “Our duty is to discover new markets, introduce them, and facilitate the path for Iranian merchants,” he said. “We are facilitators, and the private sector must be the main player.”
This approach aligns with the emphasis placed on “provincial diplomacy” by the country’s leadership, a policy that has reportedly been well-received by the private sector. Araghchi announced that the next provincial diplomacy conference will be held in the northwest region, bringing together local managers and ambassadors from neighboring and European countries.
Focus on Regional Relations
Addressing a specific regional issue, the Deputy Foreign Minister commented on the status of the border with the Republic of Azerbaijan. He confirmed that the issue of the closed passenger route has been raised in every high-level meeting between the two countries over the past year.
“Azerbaijan claims that all its land borders are closed and it is not exclusive to Iran,” Araghchi stated. “However, the Republic of Azerbaijan has promised to review and reconsider the matter, and we are still waiting.”
The conference underscored a multi-pronged strategy: actively working to neutralize sanctions through diplomacy, vigorously pursuing fair negotiations, and simultaneously unlocking domestic economic potential to build a more resilient national economy.