PNN – Iran’s ambassador to India said in an interview about the status of the Chabahar project that the project has never been stopped.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network, Mohammad Fathali, the ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to India, in an interview with the Indian media “Khabar 18”, firmly stated that despite severe sanctions, the Chabahar project has never been stopped; rather, it continues to make steady progress.
He also confirmed that Iran is ready to talk to the United States, but its main goal is “permanent and sustainable peace,” not a repetitive cycle of war and ceasefire.
In response to a question about conveying Iran’s views to Pakistan for Iran-US talks, Fathali said: To date, no official details have been released regarding this proposal. The information currently being released in the media is mere speculation. Our firm belief is that by ending hostilities and establishing permanent peace, all other outstanding issues can also be resolved.
He added: We have no desire to be caught in a cyclical pattern of war, ceasefire, negotiations and the next re-conflict. We are ready for both war and peace. We welcome any kind of dialogue that leads to the establishment of a lasting peace.
Regarding Iran’s priorities for negotiations, the Iranian ambassador said: For us, the main priority is to ensure that the Iranian people’s right to peaceful nuclear energy is granted to them. We are a signatory to the NPT and we operate strictly within the framework of international regulations. It is quite clear that the lifting of all unjust sanctions imposed on the Iranian people constitutes our main condition.
He continued: For the past 47 years, the United States and its allies have subjected the Iranian people to the most severe and inhumane sanctions. They have frozen billions of dollars in our assets, imposed restrictions on the supply of medicine, thereby endangering the lives of millions, and blocked our ability to buy new aircraft or even obtain spare parts. Even now, they continue to send their naval ships and their most advanced weapons to the region, simply because Iran seeks independence and to preserve its national dignity.
In response to a question about the safety of the Strait of Hormuz and the passage of ships, Fathali said: The Islamic Republic of Iran has clearly stated that we will ensure maritime security in accordance with international law. Ships belonging to countries that have not participated in the aggression of the United States and Israel can freely pass through the Strait of Hormuz. There are no restrictions for our friendly countries, such as India.
He noted: To date, numerous Indian ships have passed through this strait with complete safety and security, and this trend will continue in the future. While there are specific regulations that all ships are required to adhere to, we have shown complete cooperation and flexibility in dealing with Indian ships.
The Iranian diplomat said about Pakistan’s mediation between Iran and the United States: We welcome any initiative that helps reduce tensions and strengthen peace. The venue of the talks is not important. We will enter into dialogue solely on the basis of our national interests and the rights of the Iranian people.
He stated: Our dialogue is exclusively with the United States government. We do not recognize any regime called Israel. Even the negotiations held in Islamabad were held solely between Iran and the United States. We believe that the Zionist regime is a fake entity founded on occupation and aggression.
In response to a question about the status of the Chabahar project and India’s participation, Fathali further stated: We firmly believe that major initiatives related to economic and development cooperation – such as the Chabahar project – should not be negatively affected by unilateral sanctions. Chabahar is a strategic project designed to increase regional connectivity, especially for India and Central Asia.
Stating that despite the sanctions, the project has never stopped and continues to progress steadily, he said: The Chabahar-Zahedan railway project is now 90 percent complete. The track laying work in the Chabahar section is scheduled to be completed by mid-June, thus connecting the port to the country’s national railway network. Facilities such as hospitals and hotels are expected to be ready by August or September 2026. This will transform the region into a vibrant economic and social hub.