TEHRAN, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has exchanged views with his Saudi, Qatari, French, and Omani counterparts on the recent peace negotiations between Tehran and Washington in Islamabad.
In separate phone calls, he also briefed his counterparts on the latest regional developments following the announcement of a ceasefire on Wednesday between Iran, the United States and Israel, according to statements released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
In his talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on Monday, Araghchi warned about the risks of U.S. provocative actions, highlighting Iran's responsible approach in accepting the ceasefire and entering the peace talks in Pakistan's capital Islamabad. The continuation of U.S. "excessive demands" in the negotiations prevented the diplomatic process from yielding results, he said.
The Saudi minister underlined his country's support for diplomatic efforts, voicing hope that the diplomatic process between Iran and the United States would lead to a complete cessation of the war and the restoration of lasting regional security and stability.
In a phone call with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani on Monday, Araghchi slammed Israel's continued ceasefire violations in Lebanon. He said that while adopting a responsible approach, Iran entered the diplomatic process with the United States to protect its national interests and regional peace and security. He added that Iran had acted decisively in defending its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to the Qatar News Agency, Al-Thani stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire to enhance regional stability and the need to keep maritime routes open and ensure freedom of navigation. He urged dialogue and peaceful means to address the root causes of the crisis and reach a sustainable agreement that prevents renewed escalation.
Speaking to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Sunday night, Araghchi said Iran entered the peace negotiations with goodwill while having absolute distrust of the United States. Although the talks had seen progress on many issues, the U.S. "maximalist" approach and constant changing of demands prevented an agreement, he said.
Barrot voiced France's support for the pursuit of a diplomatic approach to end the war, adding that France hopes a final agreement will be reached with the continuation of peace talks, according to the Iranian statement.
Araghchi also spoke with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi on Monday, discussing the latest regional developments and the state of negotiations between Iran and the United States, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said.
Delegations from Iran and the United States held extended negotiations in Islamabad on Saturday and early Sunday to ease tension in the Middle East. The talks, which failed to produce an agreement, took place after a ceasefire was announced on Wednesday between Iran, the United States and Israel, following 40 days of fighting. ■
