Istanbul, Jan 30 (EFE).- Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that Tehran remains open to negotiating a diplomatic solution with the United States over its nuclear program, despite what he described as a “lack of goodwill” from Washington in the past.
“We reject any imposed policy, but we are ready to take part in a meaningful, logical, and fair diplomatic process,” Araghchi said at a press conference in Istanbul.
“Despite the lack of goodwill from the United States in the past, Iran is prepared to resume nuclear talks, provided that its legitimate interests and legal concerns are fully respected.”
Araghchi also criticized what he called US “contradictions” and insisted that a military option was off the table, arguing that the US and Israeli airstrikes in June “failed to achieve their objectives.”
“They suffered a defeat in June. If they try again, the same will happen,” he said.
“The United States speaks of negotiations, but negotiations cannot begin with threats. If they want fair and reasonable talks, Iran is always ready.”
Speaking alongside his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, the Iranian minister stressed that Iran’s missile program and military capabilities would not be subject to negotiations, an idea that has surfaced in US media reports.
“I can say clearly that Iran’s missiles and defense systems will not be negotiated,” Araghchi said.
“The Iranian people will not allow anyone to interfere with their security. We will protect our military capabilities and strengthen them as much as necessary.”
Araghchi’s visit to Turkey, which has offered to mediate between Tehran and Washington, comes as the United States deploys naval forces near Iran.
US President Donald Trump has said the fleet is prepared to strike if Iran refuses to engage in negotiations.
Doubts over whether Iran’s nuclear program is exclusively peaceful have persisted for more than two decades.
In 2015, Iran reached a landmark agreement with world powers during Barack Obama’s presidency, under which Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear activities.
The deal collapsed in 2018, however, when Trump withdrew the United States from the pact and reimposed sanctions on Iran, prompting Tehran to accelerate its nuclear program.
Renewed efforts to revive negotiations broke down last June, the same month the United States joined Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities. EFE
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