Baghaei:
US Must Recognize Iran's Enrichment Rights and Unfreeze Blocked Assets
The Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson criticized Washington's constantly shifting positions, calling it the most significant obstacle to the progress of negotiations, and emphasized that the United States must recognize Iran's rights, including peaceful nuclear enrichment and access to its frozen assets.
In an interview with CNN, Esmaeil Baghaei stated that the continuous changes in stance and contradictory remarks by American officials constitute the primary challenge in the ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
Speaking to CNN’s Senior International Correspondent Frederik Pleitgen in Tehran, Baghaei confirmed that the exchange of messages between the two sides continues through Pakistani mediators.
"The main issue with negotiating with this administration is dealing with constantly shifting positions, moving red lines, and differing, contradictory statements from various U.S. officials, which makes the entire process extremely difficult," Baghaei remarked.
Pointing out several unresolved points of contention in the talks, the spokesperson added: "The core issue is that the Americans must accept and recognize Iran's rights, including the right to peaceful enrichment within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)."
Baghaei also criticized the U.S. approach regarding Iran's blocked funds, stating: "While they talk about our frozen assets, they are unwilling to make any concessions." He emphasized that Iran demands the release of billions of dollars of its funds currently frozen in foreign banks.
"The U.S. must halt the sanctions. Regarding both the sanctions and the frozen assets, it must allow Iran's funds to be released and placed at the disposal of the Iranian people," he asserted.
Furthermore, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson criticized American violations of the ceasefire, stating: "They have targeted our commercial vessels both in the Strait of Hormuz and in international waters."
Describing the regional situation as "highly fragile and dangerous," Baghaei added: "This entire environment is the result of the reckless U.S. approach toward the region and fundamentally toward the ceasefire."
Baghaei concluded by warning that Iran's armed forces will respond "with absolute decisiveness and full strength" to any potential attack.