Direct talks with the US would be meaningless, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday.
He made his remarks “in response to statements by US President Donald Trump, who expressed his preference for this formula in any potential dialogue with Iran,” UAE-based Al-Ain Media reported.
“Direct negotiations with a party that constantly threatens the use of force, in violation of the UN Charter, and adopts contradictory positions are meaningless,” Araghchi was quoted as saying.
“We remain committed to diplomacy and are ready to try the path of indirect negotiations,” he added.
Iran, “while committed to dialogue to dispel misunderstandings and resolve differences, remains prepared for all scenarios and will be serious about defending its interests and national sovereignty, just as it is serious about diplomacy and negotiations,” Araghchi said.
On Saturday, other Iranian officials said Iran was not interested in conflict but would defend itself if attacked.
Russia would back Iran in any talks with the US, Iranian state media reported.
“This stance comes at a time when there are growing signs of a renewed escalation between the two sides, amid uncertainty surrounding the fate of the Iranian nuclear issue, and warnings of a slide toward open confrontation that could have disastrous repercussions for the region,” Al-Ain reported.
Threats to Iran
Trump sent a letter to Iran’s supreme leader in March, offering talks. Nevertheless, he has also said the US could carry out airstrikes against Iran.
“While Washington continues its policy of ‘maximum pressure,’ Tehran responds with its own complex equations, within a complex regional and international context that presents diplomacy with a difficult test,” Al-Ain reported.
Tehran rejects the idea of direct negotiations, preferring indirect discussions through intermediaries such as Oman, the report said.