Tehran: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran no longer considers renewed negotiations with the United States following recent military strikes, arguing that Washington destroyed trust during ongoing diplomatic efforts.
In an interview with PBS NewsHour on Monday, Araghchi said repeated US attacks during diplomatic engagements convinced Iranian leaders that talks with Washington would not resume in the foreseeable future.
“I don’t think the question of talking with Americans or negotiation with the Americans once again would be on the table,” Araghchi said.
He explained that US actions during sensitive diplomatic periods undermined confidence. According to him, Washington first launched attacks during negotiations in June last year and again at the start of what he called Operation Epic Fury.
Moreover, Araghchi said the United States had previously assured Iran that it did not intend to carry out military strikes.
“This year, they tried to convince us that this time is different,” he said. “They promised us that they don’t have any intention to attack us.”
However, those assurances proved unreliable, he added, leaving Iranian authorities unwilling to reopen dialogue with Washington.
Iran denies targeting regional oil shipments while blaming US and Israel for escalating tensions
Meanwhile, Araghchi rejected accusations that Iran deliberately targeted oil production or shipping in the region to pressure the United States and Israel.
Instead, he argued that regional instability and tanker fears stem from US and Israeli military actions against Iran.
He said oil tankers have become reluctant to pass through the Strait of Hormuz but insisted that Iran has not blocked navigation in the strategic waterway.
At the same time, Araghchi warned that further US attacks could expand the conflict across the Middle East.
He said Iran had already warned regional states that any US strike would force Tehran to target American bases and assets across the region.
“This is a war imposed on us,” Araghchi said, adding that Iran’s actions represent legitimate self-defence against what he described as illegal aggression.
