Missile program non-negotiable, no US talks under attack: Araghchi

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English
20 Jun 2025 13:37
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Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi rules out talks with the US amid ongoing Israeli attacks, affirming Iran's missile program is non-negotiable ahead of key diplomatic talks in Geneva.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during their meeting in Moscow, Russia, Friday, April 18, 2025. (AP)

Iran's missile program and military capabilities are "non-negotiable", Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Friday. Speaking ahead of a diplomatic meeting in Geneva, Araghchi stated that Iran has not engaged in any direct communication with the United States, despite reported efforts through intermediaries.

“We have never had any contact with the Americans. The United States requested negotiations through mediators, but we refused,” Araghchi said.

He emphasized that Iran is unwilling to hold talks while Israeli attacks on Iranian territory persist. “We are not prepared to hold talks with anyone under these conditions,” he said, referencing continued escalations.

Araghchi added that Iran’s resistance to these attacks is expected to influence international positions. “After our resistance to Israel, I believe that countries will distance themselves from this aggression,” he said, adding that efforts to de-escalate the conflict have already begun and are expected to increase.

The Iranian official also accused the United States of being complicit in the attacks, even if it is not participating directly.

Addressing accusations about Iran’s conduct during the war, Araghchi stated that Iran does not target civilian infrastructure, asserting, “We never target civilian areas, especially hospitals, unlike Israel, which targeted hospitals in Gaza.”

Araghchi to meet E3

Araghchi’s comments come ahead of a high-level diplomatic meeting with European foreign ministers, including representatives from Britain, France, and Germany, as well as EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. The Geneva talks are the first direct diplomatic engagement since Iran-US indirect talks collapsed earlier this month.

In a similar context, UN Secretary-General Guterres expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation and reiterated the importance of avoiding any attacks on civilians or nuclear facilities. He emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and stressed the significance of resuming Iran nuclear talks to prevent further escalation.

Guterres also cautioned that the conflict risks expanding, potentially drawing in additional regional actors and heightening global tensions.