Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araqchi stated Wednesday that conditions are currently unsuitable for negotiations with the United States, citing Washington’s policies and support for recent protests within Iran.
Speaking to reporters following a cabinet meeting, Araqchi characterized U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments regarding the protests as interventionist. He emphasized that internal Iranian affairs are the sole concern of the Iranian people. “Iran’s internal issues are solely related to the Iranian nation,” Araqchi said, adding that dialogue is ongoing between the government and its citizenry.
Araqchi’s remarks represent a firm rejection of recent calls from Washington for talks, particularly as protests erupted across Iran in late December 2017 and early January 2018. Trump repeatedly voiced support for the protesters via Twitter, a move widely condemned by Iranian officials as interference in the country’s internal affairs.
Even as asserting that Iran has not closed the door to diplomacy entirely, Araqchi indicated that the current U.S. Administration’s approach precludes meaningful negotiations. He stated that Iran remains open to talks based on “mutual respect and shared interests,” but that such a foundation is presently lacking.
The Iranian Foreign Minister’s comments follow a period of heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington, particularly over the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal. The Trump administration withdrew from the JCPOA in May 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran, a move that has been strongly criticized by European powers and other signatories to the agreement.
Beyond the U.S. Relationship, Araqchi announced his planned departure for Lebanon on Thursday. He described Iran’s relationship with Lebanon as longstanding and encompassing all levels of the Lebanese government and establishment, expressing Tehran’s desire to further strengthen those ties. He will be accompanied by an economic delegation during the visit to Beirut, signaling a focus on bolstering economic cooperation between the two countries.
No specific details regarding the economic agenda for the Lebanon visit were provided, and the U.S. State Department has not yet issued a response to Araqchi’s statements regarding negotiations.
