Iran has announced that it will not resume direct talks with the United States regarding its nuclear program as long as President Donald Trump continues his “maximum pressure” strategy. In an interview on Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made it clear that while Iran will maintain discussions with other parties, it will not engage with the U.S. under the current approach of increasing sanctions. He shared these thoughts during an interview at the Iranian consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
In the same interview, Araghchi pointed out that Iran is committed to negotiations with the remaining parties involved in the 2015 nuclear deal, specifically the three European nations, Russia, and China. He emphasized that these discussions would continue and might eventually lead to positive results. He noted, “We will not enter any direct negotiations with the US so long as they continue their maximum pressure policy and their threats but it doesn’t mean that regarding our nuclear program, we will not negotiate with other parties; we are talking with the three European countries, we are negotiating with Russia and China, other members of the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the 2015 agreement between Iran and major powers on its nuclear program), and these talks can continue and I think we can reach a result from this path too.”
Addressing the ongoing pressure from the U.S., Araghchi reaffirmed that Iran would continue to resist these measures. He made it clear that if the U.S. is interested in re-entering an agreement, it must be based on fairness and respect. “If America wants to return to a new nuclear agreement with Iran, naturally it should observe the conditions of a fair and just negotiation and we have proven that we will not answer the language of pressure and threat but will respond to the language of respect and dignity as we did in the past.”
In discussing Israel’s threats of a military strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities, Araghchi was firm in his position that such an action would be futile. He explained that Iran’s nuclear program is built on technology that cannot be destroyed by military means. “Look, first of all, Iran’s nuclear program cannot be destroyed through military operations, for several reasons. The first reason is that this is a technology that we have achieved, and the technology is in the brains and cannot be bombed.”
Further elaborating, Araghchi stated that Iran’s nuclear facilities are widely dispersed and well-protected. He also made it clear that any attack on Iran would be met with a proportional response. “Second, Iran’s nuclear facilities are scattered in many different parts of the country and are properly protected, and we are sure that they cannot be destroyed. Third, we have the ability to respond very strongly and in a completely proportionate and balanced manner. The Israelis themselves know, and others in the region know, that any action taken against Iran will be followed by a similar action against Israel.”
Araghchi also emphasized the potential dangers of a military conflict with Iran, noting that the consequences would be catastrophic. “Therefore, I think that the threat of war against Iran is a threat that is just talked about. Implementing this threat would be a very big danger and would turn into a widespread fire.” He added that if Israel or other nations were truly confident in the success of a military attack, they would have acted already, but the reality is that such an option is not viable. “I think that if the Israelis or others were sure that they would achieve their goals through a military attack, they would have done so by now, but such a possibility is not feasible.”
Araghchi also highlighted that an attack on Iran could lead to severe regional instability, stressing that it is in Israel’s interest to provoke a wider conflict. “I believe that if an attack on Iran were to take place, this attack could turn into a widespread fire in the region; not that we will do that. It is Israel’s desire to involve the other countries in the region in a war. It is Israel’s desire to draw America into a war. This is precisely an Israeli plan to drag America into war, and America is extremely vulnerable if it enters a war in the region. They themselves know this.”
When asked about Turkey’s accusations of Iran using militias to destabilize other nations, Araghchi responded by shifting the blame to Turkey and its allies for the chaos in Syria. “I don’t think anyone doubts that the developments in Syria were directly influenced by Turkey and a few other countries, and therefore the problems that have arisen now, such as the widespread occupation of Syrian territory by Israel, the destruction of all of Syria’s defense and scientific infrastructure by Israel, and all of the conflicts that exist, naturally, the responsibility lies with those who carried out these changes and developments.”
Despite the tensions, Araghchi emphasized that Iran does not seek conflict with Turkey, maintaining that they will continue their friendly relations. “However, this does not mean that we are in conflict with Turkey; no, we will continue our friendly relations and continue our consultations on regional issues.”
On the topic of Iran’s relationship with the new Syrian government, Araghchi laid out Iran’s position on Syria’s future. He stated that Iran seeks peace and stability for Syria and opposes its division. “We want stability and peace in Syria. We want to preserve the territorial integrity of Syria. We want to preserve the territorial unity of Syria and oppose the division of Syria. We want an end to the foreign occupation in Syria. We want the progress and development of the Syrian people.”
He concluded by stating that Iran is not rushing to establish formal ties with Syria’s current government but hopes that the country will move towards an inclusive government. “The Islamic Republic of Iran is currently only an observer of Syrian issues; we have no relationship with the current Syrian government, and we are not in a hurry in this regard. However, we hope that the developments in Syria will move towards an inclusive popular government, and we hope that all illegal groups whose work has led to the instability in Syria will return to the rule of law.”
{Matzav.com}