Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi declared on 18 October that Tehran will not surrender its sovereign rights under pressure, while simultaneously signalling openness to diplomacy — saying Iran remains 'ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and credible guarantees.' The remarks came at the 52nd Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, according to a statement issued by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Key Statements from Baghdad

Araghchi was unequivocal on Iran's red lines. 'Iran does not accept coercion, threats or intimidation,' he said, addressing the gathered foreign ministers. At the same time, he reaffirmed Iran's commitment to safe and secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway critical to global energy flows, noting that the strait was open before the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on 28 February.

Notably, Araghchi disclosed that Iran has presented a 'concrete' seven-day plan to the United States through Qatar — under which, if the necessary conditions are met, the strait could be reopened within seven days. 'The choice now rests with the United States,' he said, placing the onus squarely on Washington.

Iran's Position on Regional Security

The foreign minister stressed that Iran will continue to defend its people, sovereignty, and legitimate interests 'by any means,' while insisting that Tehran has never attacked its neighbours — only US military bases and installations within those states. He called on every regional state to ensure its territory, airspace, and infrastructure serve regional security and are never used as a platform to attack a neighbour.

'No state can build lasting security at the expense of the security of others,' Araghchi said. He added that the region's problems are 'best resolved within the region, by its own states, before they become a pretext for the wars of distant powers' — a pointed reference to Western involvement.

Background: From Conflict to Ceasefire

The context for these remarks is a rapidly evolving conflict arc. On 28 February, Israel and the United States launched joint strikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US bases across the region, and simultaneously tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of a global energy supply shock.

A ceasefire was reached between the parties on 8 April. Subsequently, on 18 June, Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) committing to end hostilities across all fronts. Under the MoU, both sides were to hold negotiations within 60 days — a deadline that expired on 17 August — aimed at reaching a final agreement on Iran's nuclear programme and the removal of sanctions. However, according to reports, the talks failed to achieve sufficient progress as tensions continued to escalate.

What Comes Next

Araghchi's OIC address signals that Tehran is recalibrating its posture — projecting strength while keeping a diplomatic door open, with Qatar acting as a key intermediary channel. Whether Washington responds to the seven-day Hormuz plan will likely determine the pace and shape of any renewed nuclear negotiations. Regional states, particularly those hosting US military infrastructure, will be watching closely as both sides test the boundaries of the post-MoU framework.