Iran serious about negotiations, firm in defending sovereignty: FM
4 Min Read
The Iranian foreign minister emphasizes that his country is prepared to resume discussions focused on its nuclear program and the removal of sanctions, provided that confidence-building measures are put in place.
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks in a joint press briefing with his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr Albusaidi after their meeting in Tehran, Iran, on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024 (AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi outlined Tehran’s conditions for resuming talks on its nuclear program, stressing the country’s commitment to diplomacy while maintaining a firm stance on its national interests.
Speaking at a Nowruz commemoration event with Iranian officials, ambassadors, and international representatives on Saturday night, Araghchi emphasized Iran’s responsible approach to global affairs.
He noted that Iran’s response to US President Donald Trump's letter was crafted to match the tone and content of the original message, keeping diplomatic channels open.
Araghchi pointed out that engaging directly with a party that persistently threatens military action, in violation of the UN Charter, and whose officials present conflicting positions, is meaningless.
Trump has recently warned that he is prepared to bomb Iran if it does not abandon its nuclear ambitions.
"However, we remain committed to diplomacy and are willing to explore the path of indirect negotiation," the top Iranian diplomat indicated.
Araghchi reiterated that Iran’s nuclear program is entirely peaceful, recalling that Iran had previously implemented voluntary measures under the 2015 nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), to assure the international community.
He pointed out that the United States’ unilateral withdrawal from the agreement in 2018 undermined these efforts.
The Iranian foreign minister emphasized that, with this experience in mind, his country is prepared to resume discussions focused on its nuclear program and the removal of sanctions, provided that confidence-building measures are put in place.
He concluded by underlining that while Iran remains committed to diplomacy, it will resolutely defend its sovereignty and national interests.
"Just as Iran is serious about diplomacy and negotiations, it is equally firm and resolute in defending its national interests and sovereignty."
Pezeshkian rejects US threats, demands respectful dialogue
On Saturday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian took aim at the US for what he described as a contradictory and disrespectful approach to diplomacy, accusing Washington of undermining potential negotiations by coupling its outreach with hostile rhetoric.
Speaking during a high-level meeting with government, military officials, lawmakers, and citizens, Pezeshkian reiterated Iran's openness to international engagement, provided that dialogue is rooted in equality and mutual respect.
Referring to reported US interest in renewed talks, Pezeshkian stated, "The Islamic Republic of Iran favors dialogue on equal terms."
He rejected the current posture of the US administration as incoherent and counterproductive. "Today, the US behaves humiliatingly not only towards Iran, but the whole world. Such a manner is in contradiction to the request for negotiations," he added.
Criticizing the American tendency to issue threats while seeking diplomacy, Pezeshkian questioned, "If you wish to negotiate, what is the purpose of the threats?"
The Iranian president disclosed that Tehran had responded to a letter from former President Donald Trump by ruling out direct negotiations but has remained open to indirect channels. He added that the onus is on Washington to restore trust and show consistency in its approach.
"This will be the manner of Americans that would determine the continuity of the course of negotiations," he said on March 30.
Read more: Trump seeking 'direct talks' with Iran regarding nuclear deal
