Araghchi: US must abandon threats; Iran ready to respond to aggression

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the United States has to abandon threats and pressures against Iran for genuine and fruitful negotiations to open, but stressed that the Islamic Republic is fully prepared to deliver a severe and regret-inducing response to any act of aggression.

Speaking in an interview with CNN Türk television news channel in Istanbul on Friday, Araghchi said there is no serious basis for negotiations with the United States over Tehran’s civilian nuclear program

He noted that no progress could be achieved without an agreement on the framework, content, and rules of negotiations.

The Iranian foreign minister highlighted that Washington often tries to establish contact with Tehran through third parties, stressing Iran is ready for fair and balanced diplomacy, yet talks cannot be conducted in an imposed manner.

A fair agreement cannot be worked out without mutual respect and equal footing, Araghchi pointed out.

“Third parties are relaying messages from US officials to us, demanding negotiations. Our position is clear: We are ready for fair and balanced diplomacy. If it is a fair and impartial agreement, as [President Donald] Trump asserts, we are prepared then; but negotiations are different from dictation,” the top Iranian diplomat said.

Araghchi stated that no one can determine the outcome of negotiations before they start.

“Naturally, the United States must abandon threats and intimidation, and be ready to negotiate on equal footing on the basis of mutual respect and common interests. Negotiations are a matter of give-and-take; no one can dictate to another. This is not negotiation,” he emphasized.

“We have very bad experiences with negotiations with the Americans. When Israel attacked us in June and the United States joined in, we were right in the middle of negotiations. The move created an atmosphere of distrust. If the United States really wants to pursue serious diplomacy, it must overcome this mistrust,” Araghchi said.

Leader’s advisor warns of ‘deep’ retaliatory strikes into occupied territories

Senior advisor to Iran’s Leader warns that any hostile action against the Islamic Republic could provoke a decisive response, including strikes deep inside the occupied territories.

Araghchi also clearly stated that Iran will deliver a crushing and regret-inducing response to any hostile action, emphasizing his country is more capable than ever to confront threats and can defend itself on its own.

He underscored that Iran still places a high priority on diplomacy and hopes rationality and dialogue will prevail.

Europe is escalating tensions

In a strong condemnation of the European Union Council's decision to label the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, Araghchi stated that the elite force has played an important role in the fight against Daesh and other terrorist groups.

He said the European Union's move will rather exacerbate tensions than defuse them.

“I must say that if it were not for the IRGC, Europeans would now be witnessing Daesh [terrorists] roaming around in Paris or other European cities. Unfortunately, Europe has become thoroughly unscrupulous with the decision and will regret it,” Araghchi said.

He warned that European armies could be designated as “terrorist” under Iranian law following the EU’s decision to blacklist the IRGC.

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