TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragci criticized Western countries for refusing to diplomatic efforts for a fair and balanced solution in Iran, saying “overly and unreasonable demands” are hampering progress in negotiations.
Speaking on the sidelines of a meeting with Tehran-based ambassador Charges Dyers and head of international missions on Sunday, Aragucci said Iran is consistently and sincerely pursuing diplomacy. “Iran has always tried to achieve a fair and balanced negotiated settlement, but it was Western countries that responded negatively due to excessive demands,” he said.
The diplomats emphasized that they must seek transparency regarding the latest decisions by Western members of the UN Security Council and clearly explain their legal and political consequences. “It’s important to let the public know what the West has created within the Security Council and what risks and complexities could arise from this decision,” he said.
Araghchi warned that the European trio (E3) (Britain, France, Germany) will significantly weaken diplomatic credibility following the latest move. “Given recent developments, the role of three European countries in future diplomacy will become increasingly small,” he said. “Snapback mechanisms, military threats, and pressure tactics simply don’t work.”
Referring to repeated military threats against Iran, Aragut said such pressures have not always had consequences. “They repeatedly threatened Iran with military attacks, but these threats have achieved nothing. The snapback mechanism and military options are ineffective,” he added.
The Foreign Minister also said Iran has signed a new technical cooperation agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to replace the previous Cairo agreement, but he said it did not meet current needs.
“This new arrangement was necessary in light of recent field development and security threats, including attacks on nuclear facilities,” he explained. “In previous frameworks established in Cairo, it is no longer sufficient, especially after the activation of the snapback mechanism, and new decisions are made accordingly.”
Aragut stressed that Iran “tired all diplomatic paths” in order to demonstrate the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. “The Islamic Republic of Iran has engaged in dialogue, maintained cooperation and presented constructive and balanced proposals,” he said.
He concluded that the Western government does not currently justify accusing Iran of avoiding consultations. “Iran’s position is completely legitimate and rational,” said Araguchi, who reaffirmed that Tehran is ready to build mutual confidence and pursue initiatives that strengthen its diplomacy.
A few days ago, a spokesman for the Iranian government revealed that US envoy Steve Witkov, Steve Witkov, was invited to a conference proposed by Tehran, to allow foreign ministers from European countries and representatives from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
“Witkov didn’t compete in the meeting,” confirmed spokesman Fateme Mohajelani. She said the European government had told Tehran that it must agree to direct its involvement with US representatives if it wishes to provide relief from the expansion of sanctions prior to the JCPOA.
Mohajelani added that even Iran’s offer to slow the activation of the 45-day snapback mechanism was rejected by pressure from the Zionist lobby.
Her remarks came after the UN confirmed the reinvigoration of UN sanctions on Iran.
The decision comes after France, the UK and Germany officially invoked the snapback mechanism last month.
Under the 2015 JCPOA, Iran accepted restrictions on nuclear activities in exchange for lifting international sanctions. The contract was approved by UN Security Council resolution 2231. This was set as the final expiration deadline for all nuclear-related measures in October 2025.
Iran has consistently argued that the US, even under the Obama administration, could not maintain the side of the agreement by blocking access to Tehran’s economic interests. In 2018, things got worse in 2018, when the Trump administration unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA and re-equipped with sweeping sanctions.
In response, and after waiting more than a year for Europe to fulfill its commitment, Iran gradually began to reduce its obligations under the transaction, maintaining its actions as reversible and within the JCPOA legal framework.
The October 2025 deadline was intended to mark the end of a decade-long nuclear conflict and normalization of Iran’s nuclear state. However, E3’s decision to trigger a snapback mechanism effectively blocks that process.
E3 has no legal basis to activate mechanisms, as Iran claims that reducing commitments is a legitimate measure against Western non-compliance. Russia, China and several other countries say they support Iran’s position and do not recognize the legitimacy of new anti-Iran sanctions.
Despite these pressures, Araguchi said, “Iran continues to pursue diplomacy, but not under threat or illegal measures. Anyone who violates the transaction cannot argue that he will defend it.”