Iran’s FM: Negotiations Must Be Fair, Not Dictated
WANA (Oct 30) – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday stressed that any negotiations with other countries must be fair and based on mutual interests, not dictated by external powers.
Speaking at the Economic Diplomacy Summit in Tabriz (the capital city of East Azerbaijan Province, in northwestern Iran), Araghchi highlighted the strategic role of the Foreign Ministry in lifting sanctions and promoting regional economic cooperation.
“The flag of negotiation has never fallen from the hands of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Araghchi said. “However, this mission will only continue with dignity and national interests preserved. Negotiations must be fair and based on mutual benefit — not a matter of dictation or taking orders.”
He emphasized that Iran is always open to dialogue “whenever the other parties abandon bullying and engage in fair negotiations.” Araghchi also noted that the Foreign Ministry is working to neutralize and circumvent sanctions through diplomatic and regional initiatives.
The top diplomat clarified that while the Foreign Ministry does not directly engage in economic activity, its role is to identify new markets, promote them, and facilitate Iranian business access, adding that “the private sector must lead the way.”
Criticizing the underuse of Iran’s border provinces for trade, Araghchi said: “Sanctions do have effects, but much of our underperformance comes from neglecting domestic potential. We should not blame sanctions for everything.”
He noted that East Azerbaijan Province could serve as a vital gateway for Iran’s economic exchanges with the Caucasus, Turkey, Iraq, Europe, and even Africa.
Araghchi also announced plans to expand provincial diplomacy, saying that following the ECO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Mashhad, similar international events will be organized in Tabriz and Urmia to boost trade and regional connectivity.
He concluded: “The Foreign Ministry is committed to supporting the private sector. Under sanctions and threats, we aim to activate domestic capacities, especially in border provinces.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also provided an update on efforts to reopen the Iran–Azerbaijan passenger border to reporters, which has remained closed.
Araghchi said: “Over the past year, in every meeting between the presidents of Iran and Azerbaijan, as well as in my meetings with Azerbaijan’s foreign minister and other exchanges between officials of the two countries, the issue of the closed passenger route has been raised.”
He added: “They claim that all their borders are closed, not only the one with Iran. The Republic of Azerbaijan has promised to review and reconsider the matter, and we are still waiting for their response.”
