‘Deep mistrust’ in U.S. remains despite deal, Iran’s foreign ministry says
Iran’s foreign ministry said on Monday that Tehran still holds “deep mistrust” of the United States despite an agreed framework aimed at ending the war.
“Unfortunately, it must be acknowledged that Iran’s deep mistrust of the United States stems from the long history of wrongdoing by American leaders,” said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei in a weekly press briefing.
“The United States still has a long way to go before it can earn the trust of the Iranian people,” he noted, adding that the framework was “merely a step toward reducing tensions and ending a war” which broke out late February.
The Ministry also said that the United States had committed to releasing Iran’s frozen funds abroad and compensating it for damages during the war under a framework deal. “The release of the frozen Iranian assets as well as the reparations for damages are two essential points. The American side has committed to taking measures in both areas,” said Mr. Baghaei during a press briefing.
Mr. Baghaei also said that Lebanon is an integral part of the agreement to end the war with the U.S., adding that the draft memorandum mentions Lebanon thrice as it calls for an end to war on all fronts, as well as the respect of its sovereignty and its territorial integrity. “The United States must honour its commitments. It must ensure that the Zionist regime also respects its own regarding Lebanon,” said Mr. Baghaei.
Mr. Baghaei said diplomatic visits to regional countries are on the agenda for Tehran, before the signing of the agreement due on Friday in Geneva, Switzerland.
“Regarding the manner and mechanism of signing the memorandum of understanding, a final decision will be made today and tomorrow, and its results will be officially announced,” he added.
He also added that the country would charge maritime service fees on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, rather than imposing tolls, under a framework deal with the U.S. “We have always maintained that we do not seek to collect transit tolls, but fees for navigation services, environmental protection, ship insurance and other necessary services will be charged,” said Mr. Baghaei during a press briefing.
– AFP, Reuters
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