The top diplomat made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Iranian web television “Sahara” on Saturday.
He said that despite the Iranian government’s sincere efforts to find ways to resolve the conflict, Iran does not have a positive experience with the United States.
“We do not have trust in Washington, and we will not have it in the future. Even without trust, we can act cautiously. We acted this way, but we did not receive a positive response. Unfortunately, this is the nature of the American people,” Araguchi said, adding that at the moment there are no positive grounds for exchanges with the United States.
However, the foreign minister reiterated that Iran is ready for talks on a basis of mutual respect if the United States acts in good faith.
“I have said repeatedly that if Americans are willing to work in good faith on equal footing for an agreement that is not unilateral but mutually beneficial, based on mutual respect, then we are ready for serious and good-faith negotiations toward mutually acceptable solutions. We are by no means abandoning diplomacy.”
Araghchi also stressed that the most important thing for the Islamic Republic is to protect the rights of the Iranian people, noting that Iran will not tolerate any bullying against its people.
“We are open to any sensible solution,” he added, adding that exchanges with the United States are possible if Iran abandons its domineering attitude.
“It has always been said that the Iranian state will not respond to words of force, pressure and sanctions, but will respond proportionately to words of respect,” he said.
12 days war with israel
Regarding Israel’s 12-day war against Iran on June 13 this year, he said the conflict was unjustified and the Israeli regime saw no justification for the invasion.
Araghchi said Iran’s nuclear program has been and will continue to be carried out solely for peaceful purposes and that Iran has done nothing wrong, adding that the use of nuclear weapons is prohibited according to a fatwa issued by Islamic Revolutionary leader Ayatollah Khamenei and that Iran’s security principles do not include nuclear weapons.
Araghchi said the Iranian people showed resilience during the 12-day war, a “historic turning point” because they recognized that the Islamic Republic acted logically and called for dialogue and engagement.
“There was no explanation for Israel’s aggression, so public support increased not only out of patriotism, but also because the people recognized the Israeli regime’s commitment to the right path and diplomacy,” he pointed out.
He added that without such resistance, the war could have established a pattern of threats and attacks against Iran aimed at forcing concessions.
“The Iranian people have proven during the 12-day war that they do not retreat from their rights, do not run away from war, are not afraid of war, but are resisting,” Araghchi said.
All officials agree that this is a national asset and this capital should be preserved and people should be appreciated, the official further said.
MNA/