Iran has expressed readiness to take part in “fair and just” nuclear negotiations with the United States amid growing tensions, while emphasising that it will not accept external dictation, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday.
“We are under no circumstances willing to accept dictation or imposition,” Araghchi said during a press conference in Istanbul, where he was accompanied by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, reports CNN.
“Nevertheless, Iran is ready to participate in any diplomatic process that is meaningful, logical and fair.” The details of potential discussions with the US such as timing and format remain unclear. Araghchi confirmed that no meeting has yet been scheduled, stressing that such talks cannot proceed “under threat.”
He also dismissed any negotiations concerning Iran’s missile programme or what he described as its “defensive capabilities.” “I believe no country is prepared to compromise on its own security or its national defense,” he added.
This comes after renewed warnings from Washington. On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump urged Iran to accept what he described as an “equitable” nuclear agreement or face possible military action.
Trump confirmed Thursday that he has been in contact with Iranian officials and intends to continue discussions.
“I have had and I am planning on it,” he said regarding his communications with Tehran. “We have a lot of very big, very powerful ships sailing to Iran right now, and it would be great if we didn’t have to use them.”
Although he did not specify the recipients of his messages, Trump outlined their content: “I told them two things. Number one, no nuclear. And number two, stop killing protesters.” Recent crackdowns in Iran led to the deaths of thousands of demonstrators.
Reiterating Tehran’s long-held stance that its nuclear program is peaceful, Araghchi said Iran is “ready to re-enter the nuclear negotiations.” He emphasised that preliminary issues, including the format, venue, and agenda, must be settled first.
Amid ongoing US-Iran tensions, both countries announced upcoming military exercises in the region. The US intends to carry out a multi-day air exercise in the Middle East to enhance rapid deployment capabilities, while Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), recently labeled a terrorist organization by the EU, plans live-fire drills next week in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
In response, US Central Command (CENTCOM) urged Iran to conduct the exercises “in a manner that is safe, professional and avoids unnecessary risk to freedom of navigation for international maritime traffic.” CENTCOM warned, “Any unsafe and unprofessional behavior near US forces, regional partners or commercial vessels increases risks of collision, escalation, and destabilization.”
Turkey offers mediation
During Araghchi’s Istanbul visit, Turkey indicated it is prepared to “assume a facilitating role” to help ease tensions between Iran and the US. The offer came following a call between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian.
“The leaders discussed Turkey-Iran bilateral relations and the escalating military tensions in the region,” the Turkish presidency said in a statement Friday.
On arriving in Istanbul, Araghchi acknowledged the seriousness of regional developments: “The goals stated by the United States and others make it necessary for us to hold closer consultations, review regional developments and coordinate our positions,” he told reporters.
Russia closely monitoring situation
Meanwhile in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, according to the Kremlin. The subjects of their previously unannounced meeting were not immediately disclosed. This follows Putin’s statement on Thursday that Russia is carefully observing the situation concerning Iran.
“Of course, we are closely watching what is happening on the Iranian track right now,” Putin was cited as saying by Russian state news agency TASS.
