In a telephone conversation, Araqchi and his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein discussed the latest developments in the region following the declaration of a ceasefire in the US-Israeli military aggression against Iran and talked about bilateral relations.
Araqchi expressed gratitude for the firm stance taken by Iraqi authorities, including religious leaders and the general populace, in showing solidarity with Iran and condemning the military aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime against the Iranian nation.
Hussein, for his part, welcomed the cessation of hostilities and the military actions by the US and Israel against Iran, expressing hope that the current ceasefire would lead to a permanent end to the conflict and the establishment of peace and stability in the region.
Araqchi further outlined Iran's responsible approach in accepting the mediation proposal for a ceasefire, aimed at facilitating negotiations for a complete end to the war. He noted that due to repeated breaches of commitment by the United States, the world is observing America's actions with skepticism.
Condemning the Israeli regime's aggression against Lebanon, which has resulted in the deaths of hundreds, Araqchi stated that halting Israel's military aggression against Lebanon was part of the ceasefire agreement between Iran and the US, a fact also underscored by the prime minister of Pakistan.
The Iranian foreign minister characterized Israel's attacks against Lebanon and the resultant violence as a criminal act aimed at perpetuating conflict in the region and undermining diplomatic efforts, emphasizing that the consequences of such actions would fall on the United States.
The US and the Israeli regime launched a large-scale unprovoked military campaign against Iran following the assassination of then Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military commanders and civilians on February 28.
In retaliation, Iranian Armed Forces launched attacks on American and Israeli positions in the region, demonstrating their capability to strike back effectively. Despite initial expectations by the attackers of a swift victory, the Iranian response proved significantly more potent, inflicting heavy damage on US and Israeli military resources while rallying the nation's unity and resistance.
While the US president had issued an ultimatum, Pakistani mediation facilitated an agreement for a two-week ceasefire during which negotiations would take place in Islamabad. Iran has proposed a ten-point plan as the foundation for discussions, seeking terms such as the withdrawal of US forces from the region, lifting sanctions, and establishing control over the Strait of Hormuz.
The Supreme National Security Council of Iran emphasized on April 8 that the aggression led to a historic victory for Iran, compelling the US to accept negotiation terms, including a plan for guaranteed non-aggression and the cessation of hostilities.
Iran has stressed that the negotiations would not signify an end to the conflict but rather an extension of the battlefield into diplomatic efforts, with a clear stance of distrust towards the US.