WANA (Aug 02) – Former Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said that no negotiations with the United States have ever taken place without the authorization of Iran’s Supreme Leader, adding that any future talks should be conditioned on Washington taking four concrete steps.

 

Mottaki said Iran should make any negotiations with the United States contingent upon the U.S. first taking four practical measures. He argued that exchanging indirect messages is ineffective and only increases uncertainty on the other side.

 

He also warned that Washington is seeking to create multiple distractions to keep Iran occupied, stressing that Tehran should remain vigilant and avoid being drawn into such strategies.

 

Referring to regional mediation efforts, Mottaki said Qatar should feel responsible for its commitments and cautioned against allowing financial arrangements to become tools for advancing U.S. objectives.

 

The former foreign minister described Iran’s strategic framework as resting on three pillars: the military field, diplomacy, and public support. He said all three operate within the framework of the Islamic Republic and enjoy the system’s confidence.

 

Mottaki emphasized that, both during the era of  Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and under the current leadership of Ayatollah Mojtaba  Khamenei, no negotiations have taken place without the Supreme Leader’s approval.

 

He added that authorization for negotiations is one issue, while managing and conducting those negotiations is another, stressing that Iran’s foreign policy decisions should be guided by the principles of “dignity, wisdom, and expediency” and made only after considering all relevant factors.