TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragci has labeled it “meaningless” rejecting the possibility of direct negotiations with the United States, as long as Washington continues to issue threats of military action against Iran.
His remarks came in a formal speech at the Grand Knowles celebration in Tehran on Saturday evening, just two days after President Donald Trump insisted that Iran was ready to meet in person with his administration.
The event was attended extensively by senior Iranian officials, foreign ambassadors and the head of a diplomatic mission living in Tehran, along with his spouse.
Araguchi emphasized that Iran is committed to diplomatic engagement and open to indirect negotiations, but that no meaningful dialogue occurs under the shadow of power.
“There is essentially no point in direct negotiations with governments that have been continuously threatening to use military force in violation of the UN Charter and have expressed conflicting positions by officials,” he said.
Iranian diplomats confirmed that Iran has issued a response to a letter sent by the United States. “Our response coincided with the tone and content of his letter while we kept the door open for diplomacy,” he said. “We don’t hate negotiations, but we cannot pressure or humiliate them through coercion.”
Despite Iran’s full compliance and transparency regarding the peaceful nuclear program, Araguchi criticized the US’s unilateral withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
He repeated Tehran’s preparations to return to discussions aimed at resolving nuclear-related concerns.
“While we continue to pursue a path of dialogue and diplomacy in good faith, the Islamic Republic of Iran is fully prepared for any scenario that could arise,” Araguchi said. “We are equally serious about defending the sovereignty and important interests of the nation, as we are serious and negotiated.”
“The Islamic Republic of Iran will continue to pursue its national interests with wisdom, dignity and strength,” he said.
In his broader remarks, Araguchi also turned to development in the region, denounced Israel’s ongoing military aggression in Gaza and the broader front of resistance.
“Today, we need more global cooperation than ever before to end the suffering of the Palestinians, to halt the criminal activities of the Zionist regime in Gaza, and to stop the attacks on Lebanon and Syria,” he said.