Araghchi: No Reasons to Expect Progress... US Unwilling to Reach Understanding

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that “under the current circumstances, there are few reasons to expect progress in negotiations with the United States.”

In an article he wrote for the Financial Times on Wednesday, he argued that “the lack of expected progress in negotiations with Washington stems from the continued US threats to attack Iran and Washington’s lack of willingness to reach an agreement.”

He noted that implementing the seven-point plan proposed by his country to the United States would gradually restore normalcy to the region.

He emphasized that the United States must recognize it cannot bypass crises through military solutions, reaffirming Iran’s readiness to proceed along the diplomatic track while reserving its right to defend itself against threats and military actions.

He clarified that Iran is determined to find a peaceful solution that preserves its dignity and ends the dispute with the United States, but it does not trust Washington’s claims that it desires peace with Tehran.

Araghchi said that creating alternative routes to bypass the Strait of Hormuz would not diminish the strait’s importance in the global economy, stressing that Iran’s geographic location would always allow it to exert pressure on navigation.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the United States cannot expect dialogue with Iran under the siege it imposes on the country and the threats it makes, following a visit by Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir to Tehran to discuss mediation efforts and regional developments.

Speaking at an event in Tehran, he added, “Washington cannot close all avenues, threaten Iran, and at the same time talk about negotiations.”

Iranian media reported that Tehran informed Munir on Tuesday that there would be no talks with Washington until its demands are met, hardening its stance despite Islamabad’s mediation efforts.

In a related development, Iranian state television reported on Wednesday evening that Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Qalibaf met with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to discuss the latest developments regarding the military and economic war against the country.

According to a ministry statement, sanctions were imposed on nine ships in Iran’s shadow fleet that transport oil and steel.

On another note, The Atlantic magazine cited two sources stating that Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of the US president, has been opposed to the war since it began and had conveyed this position to his father.

Trump Jr. believes the United States should have avoided engaging in a new war in the Middle East, a stance consistent with his longstanding skepticism about the efficacy of foreign interventions.