Tehran: Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted on Sunday that negotiations with the United States will bear fruit 'only when the rights of the Iranian people are acknowledged and respected.' Speaking at a diplomatic forum in Tehran organized by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Araghchi emphasized Iran's readiness to 'answer' and 'clarify' any 'questions or ambiguities' concerning the country's nuclear program through diplomatic channels.
According to Anadolu Agency, Araghchi highlighted the futility of trying to eradicate knowledge and technology through forceful means, stating, 'Knowledge cannot be eliminated through bombardment; technology cannot be destroyed. Technology exists, knowledge exists, and there is no alternative to negotiation.' He revealed that this was the message conveyed to the American negotiating team, underscoring that their presence at the table was due to the ineffectiveness of previous approaches, including last year's US-backed Israeli conflict with Iran.
The resumption of talks between Tehran and Washington in Muscat, Oman, marked a critical step following weeks of heightened tensions, particularly after the US military buildup in Persian Gulf waters near Iran. Regional countries, spearheaded by Turkiye, played a pivotal role in easing these tensions and facilitating the discussions, which had been on hold since the 12-day war in June 2025.
Araghchi reiterated that the success of negotiations hinges on the acknowledgment and respect for Iranian rights, asserting, 'We are not asking anyone to recognize our rights; our rights are already established, our rights exist. What we want is respect for our rights.' He addressed a gathering of Iranian and foreign diplomats, journalists, and academics, emphasizing Iran's 'source of power' as its steadfastness against external pressures.
The Iranian Foreign Minister dismissed the notion of pursuing a nuclear bomb, describing Iran's 'nuclear bomb' as the ability to reject the impositions of great powers. He stressed the importance of 'becoming strong' as a necessity for Iran, while also advocating for 'smart diplomacy' under current conditions.
Araghchi criticized the US approach as one driven by force, equating it to a 'law of the jungle.' He accused the US of openly exercising power without the previous guise of international law, which he claimed was a hallmark of previous administrations. He cited US President Donald Trump's disregard for international coalitions and resolutions as indicative of this shift.
Highlighting the heavy cost Iran has borne for maintaining a 'peaceful nuclear program,' Araghchi noted the essential role of nuclear enrichment in meeting national needs across various sectors. He reaffirmed Iran's demand for the lifting of sanctions, outlining a 'clear' framework for negotiations.
Araghchi mentioned that the timing and location of the next meeting with the US would be determined through consultations by Oman. He pointed out the significant involvement of regional countries in the current talks, contrasting it with previous negotiations dominated by European participation.
In closing, Araghchi firmly rejected the inclusion of regional matters and missile issues in the negotiation agenda, maintaining that the current discussions remain focused solely on the nuclear issue. He also expressed disapproval of military presence in negotiations, in reference to reports of CENTCOM commander's participation in Muscat talks.