US seriousness to be tested through indirect talks: Araghchi
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Iran maintains its stance regarding the United States, negotiations, and its nuclear program as Washington insists on its maximum pressure strategy.
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Foreign Minister of Iran, Abbas Araghchi, in an undated photo (IRNA)
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tuesday that the United States is fully aware of the extent of Iran’s defensive capabilities, stressing that while the Islamic Republic harbors deep mistrust toward Washington, it is prepared to test the US through upcoming indirect negotiations.
"At the very least, the Americans know well how far the Islamic Republic of Iran’s defensive power can extend," Araghchi stated during a meeting with political and media figures in Algiers, the capital of Algeria.
He reaffirmed that Iran’s peaceful stance should not be mistaken for vulnerability, saying, "The Islamic Republic of Iran does not seek war, but if necessary, it knows well how to defend itself."
While expressing doubt over Washington’s sincerity, Araghchi confirmed Iran’s readiness to engage in talks. "We doubt the intentions of the US and are not certain they possess the will for a fair and serious negotiation, but we will test them."
The remarks come ahead of indirect negotiations scheduled for Saturday in Muscat between Araghchi and US regional envoy Steve Witkoff, with Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi acting as mediator. “If their demand is for Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons, that demand can be examined,” Araghchi said. “But if they have other objectives in mind, they may not achieve them.”
He also rejected long-standing Western accusations regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, reiterating that the claim that Iran is seeking nuclear weapons is a "baseless accusation,” further stressing Tehran's peaceful nuclear program.
No direct talks under pressure
Reiterating Tehran’s stance, Araghchi said direct talks with Washington are not an option while the US maintains its policy of pressure and threats.
"Negotiations must take place from a position of equality, fairness, and dignity, not under ‘maximum pressure’ and military threats," he said.
"As long as ‘maximum pressure’ and threats continue, fair conditions for negotiation do not exist, and we will not engage in direct talks," he added, referencing US sanctions and repeated military threats against Iran.
Nevertheless, Araghchi emphasized Iran’s openness to dialogue, saying the path of diplomacy remains open, as previously stated.
This comes after Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stated on Tuesday that upcoming talks with the United States would start indirectly and at a high level, responding to questions about whether negotiations would be held directly.
Warning on Israeli escalation
Turning to regional tensions, Araghchi warned of efforts by the Israeli occupation to spark a wider regional war through its ongoing aggression in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria.
"In recent months, we have had wide-ranging consultations and talks with regional countries," he said. “I believe there is a proper understanding among them of the need to stand up to Israel’s warmongering, and I hope this continues.”
He described discussions with Algerian officials as constructive, highlighting shared concerns over the situation in Palestine and reaffirming strong bilateral ties.
Condemning the Israeli occupation’s actions since October 2023, Araghchi warned that Tel Aviv seeks to "expel people from both Gaza and the West Bank, eliminate Palestinian identity, and fully occupy Palestinian lands."
Resistance movement ‘indestructible’
Despite Israeli assassinations of Resistance leaders and attacks on civilians, Araghchi asserted that the idea and momentum of resistance remain resilient.
"There is no doubt that the Resistance has taken hits in recent months and that its commanders have been martyred, but this does not mean the loss of the existence or concept of resistance," he said.
"Resistance is a cause, a school of thought, and a sacred goal. These things cannot be destroyed by bombs and killings, and essentially cannot be destroyed at all."
Referencing Hezbollah’s ability to recover and grow stronger after the assassination of Sayyed Abbas al-Mousawi, he argued that Resistance movements are capable of enduring and overcoming such setbacks.
Araghchi also pushed back against Western claims that resistance movements in Lebanon, Palestine, and Yemen are Iranian proxies.
"What unites various Resistance groups is a shared cause and goal, nothing else," he said. “The West tries to portray these resistance groups as Iran’s proxies, which is a mistake.”
He emphasized that Iran supports any group committed to justice and liberation, regardless of sectarian or political affiliation.
Read more: IRGC says Palestinian Resistance to end Israeli occupation
