ISTANBUL: Iran is prepared to resume talks with the United States provided they are fair and exclude discussions on Tehran’s defence capabilities, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday, amid regional diplomatic efforts to avert a military confrontation between the two countries.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Istanbul, Araghchi said Iran had no objection to negotiations in principle but rejected US demands to curb its missile programme. He stressed that Iran’s defensive capabilities were non-negotiable.
“If negotiations are fair and equitable, Iran is ready to participate in such talks,” Araghchi said, adding that no talks were currently scheduled between Tehran and Washington.
His remarks came after US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he planned to speak with Iran, even as Washington deployed another warship to the Middle East and signalled military readiness should diplomacy fail.
Araghchi said Iran was prepared for either negotiations or conflict in response to US pressure, but reiterated Tehran’s preference for dialogue based on mutual respect. He also noted that regional powers, including Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, were actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation.
Describing his discussions with Fidan as “good and useful”, Araghchi said Iran remained willing to work with regional countries to promote peace and stability.