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FM Araghchi: Iran to pursue sanctions relief while boosting domestic strength

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 23 October 2025 6:45 PM

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that Iran will continue its mission to lift sanctions "with seriousness," but emphasized that a more important goal is to "neutralize" their effects through domestic strength.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the second regional meeting on provincial diplomacy in Mashhad, Araghchi outlined a strategy for tackling the country's economic challenges.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue the mission of lifting sanctions with seriousness," Araghchi said, adding "But alongside that, there is a more important mission, which is to 'neutralize sanctions' and 'neutralize external pressures' by activating domestic capacities."

He highlighted that the country's "challenges are rooted in the failure to utilize domestic capacities, rather than being caused by foreign sanctions."

"Sanctions have their costs and pressures," he noted, "but the reality is that we have not yet fully utilized our domestic capabilities and talents."

The top diplomat explained that until the nation can fully leverage its national capacities in sectors like economy, trade, and tourism, it cannot attribute all its problems solely to sanctions.

Emphasizing the need to form a new model of provincial diplomacy in the country, he added that Iran's border provinces and neighboring countries have extensive capacities.

Araghchi cited Afghanistan, saying official trade with the country exceeds Iran's total trade with European countries, adding there are still significant opportunities for cooperation with our eastern neighbors such as Pakistan.

"We believe there are many capacities in neighboring countries and provinces, and we need provincial diplomacy to connect these capacities."

He stressed the need to transform borders from places of restriction into opportunities paving the way for the development of "exchanges of goods, passengers, and tourists so that people can benefit from its benefits."

The Iranian minister stated that by simplifying regulations, creating facilities for exporters and economic activists, and accelerating legal processes, employment, production, and exports can be increased, allowing the country to meet its needs by relying on domestic capacity.

In his concluding remarks, he linked national diplomacy with local and regional potentials, expressing confidence that its benefits would soon be visible in enhanced trade, transit, and international cooperation.