WASHIINGTON/TEHRAN: In a televised interview aired Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Iran has not requested a ceasefire in its ongoing conflict with the United States and is prepared to continue defending itself “as long as it takes.”
Araghchi argued that the war was initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump and described it as “an illegal war with no victory.” He insisted Tehran would not return to negotiations with Washington under current conditions, citing what he described as past diplomatic efforts that failed when the U.S. launched attacks.
“We were already talking with Americans when they decided to attack us,” Araghchi said, adding that Iran sees no reason to reenter negotiations after what he called a breach of trust.
Dispute Over Regional Attacks
The Iranian foreign minister rejected accusations that Iran has targeted civilians in neighboring Gulf states. Instead, he said Iranian forces were striking only U.S. military assets and installations located in allied countries that host American forces.
He claimed the U.S. had used territory in countries including the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait to launch attacks on Iranian territory. According to Araghchi, Iran considers such locations legitimate targets when used by U.S. forces.
Regional governments allied with Washington have accused Tehran of sending drones and missiles into civilian areas, claims Iran denies.
Strait of Hormuz Shipping Concerns
The minister also addressed the security of shipping in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil trade. Iran has said the passage is closed to vessels linked to Israel and the United States.
However, Araghchi stated that some countries have contacted Tehran seeking assurances for safe passage. While he declined to name specific governments, he acknowledged discussions involving European states such as France and Italy.
He said Iran’s military had already permitted certain groups of vessels from different countries to transit the strait safely. 🚢
Nuclear Material Under Rubble
When asked about Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium—reported by international inspectors to include roughly 440 kilograms enriched to 60%—Araghchi said the material is currently buried under rubble after strikes on nuclear facilities.
The material, he said, could potentially be retrieved in the future under supervision from the International Atomic Energy Agency, but Iran currently has no plan to recover it.
Araghchi also confirmed that before hostilities escalated, Tehran had offered during negotiations to dilute the enriched uranium to a lower level as part of a possible agreement. He said that proposal had been discussed with U.S. intermediaries and communicated through Oman.
“At the moment, nothing is on the table,” he said regarding future negotiations.
Americans Held in Iran
The foreign minister was also asked about Americans detained at Evin Prison in Tehran, including journalist Reza Valizadeh and former U.S. Marine Kamran Hekmati.
Araghchi said they remain safe “as long as the United States and Israel do not attack our prisons,” without providing further details.
Internet Restrictions in Iran
Addressing questions about internet restrictions inside Iran, Araghchi said authorities had limited access due to wartime security concerns. He defended his own access to online communication platforms, saying it allows him to present Iran’s perspective to the international community. 📡
He added that many countries impose emergency measures during wartime to protect national security.
-WNN Desk
