Iran says commitments must be honored before moving to US deal

WASHINGTON, United States — TEHRAN — Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi set out conditions for moving forward in talks with the United States, saying any agreement must be based on mutual respect for sovereignty and the rejection of the use of force. In his first official statement on the negotiations, Araghchi said a 14-point draft preliminary agreement has not yet been signed and that the text covers sensitive issues including sanctions relief, frozen Iranian funds, the future of the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran's nuclear program. Araghchi said the negotiations are expected to last 60 days, during which disputes will be addressed, and that Washington's nuclear demands have not been accepted by Tehran. He warned that Iran would respond firmly to any military targeting and said diluting its stockpile of highly enriched uranium is the preferred option for reducing it. The initial-stage agreement could be signed electronically in the coming days if the talks are completed, according to Araghchi. On regional security, Araghchi said tensions in Lebanon must be brought to an end and that Iran will continue to support its allies. Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani separately said commitments reached in the talks must be implemented without exception and that any other outcome would not be accepted.