TEHRAN – Emphasizing Tehran’s commitment to diplomacy, Foreign Minister Abbas Araguchi has said that Iran will act in its own interests, regardless of what President Donald Trump expects.
Araguchi made his remarks in an interview with the Khabaronline News website issued on Sunday days after Iran received a letter sent from Trump via UAE envoys.
Asked about Trump’s letter and whether he would get a written response, the diplomat said, “We have nothing to do with his expectations. We act in our own interests. What will be the best thing for us?”
He also emphasized the importance of diplomacy, saying that all countries use diplomacy paths wherever possible, as war can be inevitable despite their costs and risks.
“We can never say that the path of diplomacy is over because war is an alternative to diplomacy,” Araghchi added.
He further emphasized that Iran has always avoided war, but is ready for it and not afraid of it.
“Therefore, the foreign policy of Iran’s Islamic Republic is undoubtedly focusing on diplomacy and avoiding war.
Earlier this month, Trump wrote to leaders of the Islamic Revolution in an interview with Fox Business, saying that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned him to hold talks on the nuclear deal or to process it militarily.
Meanwhile, the US has imposed new sanctions on Iran in line with Trump’s so-called policy of “maximum pressure.”
Iran said it would not engage in consultations with the US unless negotiations are freed from pressure and threats. Tehran is now weighing his response to Trump’s letter, which was “more threatening” but appears to offer opportunities as well.
Elsewhere in his interview, the Foreign Minister said Iran’s refusal to negotiate with the United States was due to historical experience rather than stubbornness.
He noted that Iran has used diplomacy at its maximum level to lift sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic.
Iran participated in negotiations on the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as a joint comprehensive plan of action in good faith.
“After the agreement, we adhered to all our commitments in good faith. Who betrayed diplomacy here? It was the United States that abandoned all this and returned to another path.
Meanwhile, Araghchi said that the current form and textual JCPOA cannot be revived as Iran’s nuclear situation is progressing and new sanctions are slapping the country.
“Therefore, reviving the JCPOA is not realistic, but it still could serve as a foundation and model for negotiation.”
He said that negotiating with the aim of neutralizing sanctions and lifting the ban is two tasks undertaken by the Islamic Republic.
The first mission means bypassing sanctions and rendering them effectively, he adds that it will take priority over the second mission.