Iran open to ‘fair’ talks with US but not under threat
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Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
Tehran/Ankara: Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has declared Tehran ready for "fair and equitable" negotiations with the United States, but firmly rejected any talks conducted "under the shadow of threats," even as President Donald Trump signaled more military deployments to the region.
Speaking in Turkiye on Friday alongside his counterpart Hakan Fidan, Araghchi drew a clear red line. "Iran has no problem with negotiations," he said, but added unequivocally that "Iran’s defensive and missile capabilities – and Iran’s missiles – will never be the subject of any negotiations." He emphasized that the security of the Iranian people is Iran's sovereign concern, and Tehran will expand its defensive posture as needed.
The remarks come amid escalating tensions fueled by Trump's repeated threats against Iran over its nuclear program and recent crackdown on anti-government protests. Earlier this week, Trump announced a "massive armada" led by the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier heading toward Iran, warning of "violence, if necessary," unless Tehran agrees to nuclear talks. On Friday, speaking at the White House, he confirmed sending "a larger number of ships" and expressed hope for a deal, while ominously adding, "If we don't make a deal, we'll see what happens."
This marks the second Trump administration to confront Iran over its nuclear ambitions. In 2018, he unilaterally withdrew from the previous nuclear accord, which had curbed Iran's uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. Washington continues to accuse Tehran of pursuing nuclear weapons, a charge Iranian leaders deny.
Tehran has signaled openness to dialogue but insists it must come without military pressure. Regional players are scrambling to avert confrontation. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered Ankara as a "facilitator" in a call with Iran's Masoud Pezeshkian, while Foreign Minister Fidan urged both sides to the table, stressing that restarted nuclear talks could lead to sanctions relief.