Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron that while Tehran is open to diplomacy to end the war, it will stand firm on its national rights. The two leaders discussed the shaky ceasefire, Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz, and Tehran’s deep distrust of Washington after recent attacks.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has told his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron that Tehran is ready to pursue diplomacy to end the war but will not compromise on national rights. The leaders discussed on a phone call on Wednesday, regional developments, the status of the ceasefire talks, and the strategic situation of the Strait of Hormuz, a statement from the Iranian presidency said.
Iran’s stance on diplomacy
Pezeshkian stressed that the Islamic Republic has maintained a policy to look for solutions through diplomacy in a framework acceptable under international law. “The Islamic Republic of Iran, within the framework of international law, is ready to earnestly seek ways through diplomacy to end the war, stressing the realization of the rights of the Iranian nation,” he was quoted as saying.
This statement clearly shows that Iran is open to any negotiations, but on the terms that protect its sovereign rights and national interests.
Deep distrust for the US
Iran’s President pointed to the lack of trust it holds for Washington, which he believes, had been repeating aggressive moves throughout negotiations. According to Pezeshkian, the two assassinations of senior military officials including Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, by the United States and Israel were ‘effectively stabbing us in the back’ while talks were ongoing.
“The source of such mistrust is rooted in the U.S. Hostile moves and actions, the latest being the two attacks on our country during negotiations,” said Pezeshkian.
Tehran maintains that Washington’s aggression had led to increased doubt over its role in negotiations and its intentions.
The war itself
War was first declared on February 28 when the U.S. and Israel launched what Iran claims to be an ‘illegal and unprovoked offensive’ against the country. The offensive, occurring in the midst of nuclear talks, had even resulted in the assassination of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, along with several other top commanders and senior officials.
Tehran claims that its civilian population, including schools and hospitals across the country, had been bombed as well, by the U.S. and Israel. These claims have put further emphasis on Tehran’s insistence on receiving accountability and compensation for damages before considering the negotiation process a successful one.
Iran to control the Strait of Hormuz
The discussion also revolved around Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, the gateway to roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply, a region which has come under Iranian control since the war commenced. Tehran requires all sea vessels sailing through the Strait to obtain permission before passing.
Iran says that this measure is a sign of its sovereign right in order to maintain its national security and regional stability. The policy of Iran to demand access from the vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz is watched carefully by all world economies, especially the European economies, which largely depend on Middle Eastern oil for their energy supply.
The ceasefire and mediators
The two leaders deliberated on the weak ceasefire established earlier in April and the mediation efforts from Pakistan. However, indirect talks between the two governments have now been placed on hold after Iran accused the U.S. of breaking the truce through maritime blockade and threats.
France has remained diplomatic throughout the conflict, and Macron has previously spoken with Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, in March, stating France’s commitment to promoting dialogue.
Demands by Iran for negotiations
Despite discussions, indirect talks have yet to prove effective. Iran has put forward several key demands:
– lifting of the blockade by the United States
– a permanent cessation of the war
– reparations for damages from air strikes and civilian infrastructure bombing.
According to Iran, if any diplomatic resolution is to take place, these conditions must be met.
The role of France
One of the few European states to retain an open dialogue with Iran, France and particularly President Macron has shown a greater commitment than most other nations to fostering stability in the Middle East by taking a neutral stance between Iran and Western alliances. France hopes to encourage a solution through diplomatic intervention by maintaining relations with the Islamic Republic.
Strategic implications
This exchange between the Iranian and French presidents brings the following into sharp focus:
– Iran’s dual policy towards ending the war: willing to enter diplomatic discussions while uncompromising on national rights.
– Washington’s mistrust: largely due to continuous military attacks throughout negotiations.
– Control of Strait of Hormuz: proving itself as leverage for Iran to impact the world supply of oil and its global market.
– The unreliable ceasefire: despite efforts by intermediaries, Iran claims a continued breach of the truce by the U.S.
– French participation: shows a determination by the European states to mediate and help maintain peace between the two states.
Future outlook
The Iran-U.S. Situation is currently unstable, with a desire from both ends to solve the ongoing war through diplomatic channels, but a general lack of trust on the part of Iran, which has proven to be a barrier to meaningful talks. The assassination of high-profile individuals, as well as attacks on innocent civilians, have only fueled this distrust further.
Macron’s initiative demonstrates France’s capability to bridge gaps between Iran and the West; however, no real solution will come about without the lifting of the blockade and receiving compensation for war damage.
The control of the Strait of Hormuz over the course of the ongoing conflict, the security of the maritime route is something to look forward to as it affects not just Iran, but the world at large. For the time being, however, Iranian President Pezeshkian has put himself across clearly to his French counterpart: diplomacy is on the table, but not at the cost of national rights.
