Tehran: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran has received multiple 'serious' US messages requesting negotiations, but Iran has 'nothing to say' to Washington due to its role as a 'partner in the crimes' committed alongside Israel.

According to Anadolu Agency, Araghchi declared in a televised interview that Iran will not engage in negotiations concerning its missile program. He asserted that no rational mind would agree to discuss its own defense capabilities. Araghchi emphasized that the continuation of Israeli attacks ensures that talks with any party will remain off the table.

Araghchi noted that Iran plans to continue discussions with European parties, mentioning an upcoming meeting in Geneva. He is scheduled to meet with the foreign ministers of the UK, France, and Germany, as well as EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, later on Friday, as reported by the state news agency IRNA.

The foreign minister reiterated that Iran's missile program is 'exceptional, defensive, and precisely targeted,' and assured that Iranian strikes adhere strictly to ethical and international standards. Araghchi stated that Iranian armed forces target only military and economic centers, avoiding residential areas, hospitals, or civilian buildings.

These comments are made against a backdrop of escalating regional tensions following Israeli strikes and subsequent Iranian missile responses. Hostilities erupted last Friday when Israel launched airstrikes on multiple sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, which led to retaliatory strikes by Tehran.

Israeli authorities have reported at least 25 fatalities and hundreds of injuries due to Iranian missile attacks. Conversely, Iranian media reports indicate that 639 individuals have been killed and more than 1,300 injured in the Israeli assault.