Araghchi: Iran made no request for negotiations with US
‘Diplomacy pursued through military threats cannot produce results’
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that Tehran has not submitted any request for negotiations with the United States, stressing that the imposition of diplomacy through military threats cannot be effective.
“In recent days, there has been no contact between me and Steve Witkoff (special representative of the US president), and no request for negotiations has been made by us,” Araghchi told reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting.
Underlining that military threats and diplomacy have often existed simultaneously in international affairs, but each follows its own distinct path, Araghchi said, “Iran’s position is clear: diplomacy pursued through military threats cannot produce results. Negotiations don’t go along with threats and talks can only take place when there are no longer menaces and excessive demands.”
The top Iranian diplomat added that if negotiations are to take shape, threats, excessive demands, and the raising of irrational issues must be set aside. He emphasized that negotiations have their own principles and must be conducted from an equal position and on the basis of mutual respect.
Stressing that several countries are currently acting as intermediaries and engaging in efforts and consultations, Araghchi said Iran remains in contact with such intermediaries.
The remarks came hot on the heels of the arrival of a US aircraft carrier in the region and a series of escalatory threats from Washington, where some officials have accused Iran of a violent crackdown on peaceful protests earlier in the month.
In a lengthy post on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump warned Iran that “time is running out” and that the next attack “will be far worse,” urging Tehran to make a deal as a “massive armada is heading to Iran.”
“It is a larger fleet, headed by the great Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln, than that sent to Venezuela.” He warned that the fleet was ready to fulfill its mission and resort to violence if needed.
“Hopefully Iran will quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal - NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS - one that is good for all parties,” Trump claimed.
FM talks with Saudi, Egyptian, Qatari counterparts
In a related development on Wednesday, the Iranian foreign minister discussed in a phone call with his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan bilateral relations and the escalated regional tensions as a result of the US and Israeli actions.
The two diplomats exchanged views on regional and international developments, warning about the dangerous consequences of any escalation of tensions for regional peace and stability.
Araghchi and Bin Farhan also emphasized the shared responsibility of all regional countries and their joint efforts to maintain stability and security in the region.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian told Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday that Tehran welcomes any process, within the framework of international law, that prevents war.
In another phone conversation, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty underscored the importance of enhanced cooperation to restore calm across the region and stressed the necessity of prioritizing diplomatic solutions over escalation.
He highlighted Egypt’s position that sustainable political agreements are essential to safeguarding regional and international security and stability.
The Egyptian foreign minister also emphasized the importance of maintaining commitment to diplomacy and creating appropriate conditions for the resumption of negotiations between Tehran and Washington. He noted that renewed talks could pave the way for a comprehensive agreement on Iran’s nuclear file, one that takes into account the interests of all parties while contributing to regional and global stability.
On Tuesday night, Iran’s foreign minister also held a separate telephone conversation with Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The two sides reviewed bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments.
During the call, Araghchi and his Qatari counterpart stressed the need to continue diplomatic efforts, expand bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, and maintain coordination aimed at preserving regional stability and reducing tensions amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.
‘Iran will defend itself and respond like never before’
Meanwhile, Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations said on Wednesday that the Islamic Republic is prepared for discussions with the United States but will defend itself if it is provoked.
“Last time the US blundered into wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, it squandered over $7 trillion and lost more than 7,000 American lives,” the mission said in a post on X.
“Iran stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests- BUT IF PUSHED, IT WILL DEFEND ITSELF AND RESPOND LIKE NEVER BEFORE!”