Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that Iran is ready to engage in “fair and impartial” nuclear negotiations with the United States, but will not be forced to do so, amid rising tensions between the two countries.
“We will not accept dictation or imposition under any circumstances,” Araghçi said at a press conference during a visit to Istanbul with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. “Nevertheless, Iran stands ready to participate in a meaningful, logical and fair diplomatic process.”
It is unclear when and what form potential talks will take place. Araghchi said no talks with the United States were planned and warned that such talks could not be “taken under duress.”
He also ruled out Tehran’s involvement in negotiations over what he called Iran’s “defense capabilities” and missile program. “I believe that no country is prepared to compromise on its security or national defense,” he said.
The announcement follows fresh threats from Washington, with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday calling on Iran to sign what he called a “fair” nuclear deal or face the possibility of another military attack by the US military.
President Trump said Thursday that he had met with Iranian leaders and planned further talks.
Asked about the status of talks with Tehran, he said, “We have done so in the past, and we are planning to do so.” “There are a lot of very large and powerful ships sailing towards Iran right now, and it would be great if we didn’t have to use them.”
President Trump did not say who he spoke to, but he did say what message he gave. “I told them two things,” Trump said. “First, don’t have nuclear weapons. And second, stop killing protesters.”
Recent anti-government protests in Iran have resulted in the killing of thousands of demonstrators following a harsh crackdown by the Iranian regime.
Araghchi said on Friday that Iran was “ready to rejoin nuclear negotiations,” reiterating Tehran’s long-held position that the country’s nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
“The necessary preparations must first be established regarding the format, venue and topic of the debate,” he added.
During Araghçi’s visit to Istanbul, Turkey said it was ready to “play a facilitative role” between Iran and the United States towards easing tensions.
The proposal was made in a telephone conversation between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, the Turkish presidential palace said.
“The leaders discussed bilateral relations between Turkey and Iran and the rising military tensions in the region,” the Turkish presidential palace said in a statement on Friday.
Upon his arrival in Istanbul, Araghçi acknowledged that regional problems are “very serious at the moment and we face great challenges.”
Araguchi told reporters, “Due to the goals set by the United States and others, we need to hold close consultations, consider regional development, and adjust our positions.”
CNN’s Gul Tuysuz and Kevin Liptak contributed reporting.
