Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, has dismissed the possibility of negotiations with the United States and expressed a determination to endure a long-term struggle. In an interview with CBS’s “Face the Nation” on the 15th local time, Araghchi stated, “We have never requested a ceasefire, nor have we even requested negotiations.”
This statement directly contradicts the recent claim by U.S. President Donald Trump that “Iran wants to negotiate.” Araghchi criticized the current situation by saying, “People are dying because President Trump finds it amusing,” and labeled it “a war chosen by President Trump and the United States.” He emphasized, “We will continue to exercise our right to self-defense.”
When questioned about the possibility of dialogue with the U.S., he said, “We have never had a good experience with talks with the United States,” and asked rhetorically, “What good would it do for us to return to dialogue?”
Especially concerning the blockade of the Hormuz Strait, through which 20% of the world’s oil supply passes, Araghchi stated that Iran is allowing “selective passage” to countries other than the U.S. and Israel. He noted that they are ensuring safe passage for third countries requesting to pass through the Strait, though he did not specify which countries have made such requests.
Araghchi claimed, “We are ensuring safe passage. We have not blocked the Strait of Hormuz,” arguing that “it’s the U.S.’s aggression that prevents them from coming.” Iran’s strategy of ‘divide and conquer’ has led to negotiations with some countries.
Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs, mentioned in an interview with the UK Financial Times on the same day that a recent negotiation with Iran secured the passage of two of India’s gas carriers. It is also reported that some European countries, including France and Italy, have started individual dialogues with Iran for energy security.