Iran’s Araghchi: West chose talks after failing militarily
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Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi says Western powers negotiated with Iran only after failing to destroy its nuclear facilities by force, citing Iran’s missile deterrence.
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, left, speaks with his Emirati counterpart Sheik Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan during their meeting, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Western powers turned to talks with Tehran only because they were unable to achieve their goals through military means, particularly in relation to Iran’s nuclear program.
“If the other parties were capable of destroying our nuclear facilities militarily, they wouldn’t have entered negotiations with us,” Araghchi declared, emphasizing that Iran’s deterrent capabilities are the reason diplomacy prevails.
“Negotiations mean that the other parties are unable to impose their will on Iran through military force,” he added, highlighting that Iran’s missile and defense programs play a key role in strengthening its position at the negotiating table.
“The defensive and missile capabilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran give strength and leverage to the negotiators,” Araghchi asserted.
No response from US envoy
He also revealed that the Iranian delegation had repeatedly submitted written clarifications to the United States. “The Iranian delegation has sent written clarifications to the American side several times, and we have yet to receive any written response from the US envoy,” he said.
Araghchi’s remarks come amid ongoing indirect talks between Iran and the United States over reviving the nuclear deal, while tensions remain high in the region.
Reuters, citing a senior Iranian official, reported that Iran had not received any fresh proposal from the United States to resolve the longstanding nuclear dispute.
According to the source, Tehran had confirmed that it would only export its highly enriched uranium if US sanctions were lifted "verifiably and effectively".
Uranium enrichment is Iran's 'red line'
Yesterday, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, reaffirmed that uranium enrichment remains a "red line" for the Islamic Republic in its nuclear talks with the United States.
He emphasized that any final agreement with Washington must fully respect Iran’s right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.
