Pars Today – Iranian Foreign Minister emphasized in an interview: The Islamic Republic of Iran has always avoided war and does not seek it, but stands ready for it and is not afraid of it.
According to Pars Today, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, in an interview with KhabarOnline last week, referring to a letter sent by U.S. President Donald Trump, stated: “Sending letters and correspondence is part of diplomacy, but at the same time, it can also be a form of pressure and threat.”
We are prepared for war but do not seek it
Araghchi added: “The Islamic Republic of Iran has always avoided war and does not seek it, but stands ready for it and is not afraid of it. Therefore, Iran’s foreign policy is definitely focused on diplomacy and avoiding war; unless war becomes inevitable, which would depend on specific conditions.”
Our current tactic and strategy is indirect negotiation with the U.S.
Araghchi described Iran’s current tactic and strategy as indirect negotiations with the United States, adding: “In a situation where maximum pressure exists, no rational or intelligent person enters into direct negotiations.”
Refusal to negotiate with the U.S. is based on experience, not stubbornness
Iran’s Foreign Minister continued: “When we say negotiating with the U.S. is not possible, it is not out of stubbornness but based on experience and past records. According to expert opinions, under these circumstances, entering negotiations with the U.S. is not feasible unless certain things change.”
We don’t care about Trump’s expectations; We act based on our own interests
In response to a question about whether Iran would respond in writing if Trump expects a written reply to his letter, Iran’s Foreign Minister said: “We don’t care about his expectations; we focus on our own interests. Whatever serves our benefit will be done.” Araghchi also emphasized neutralizing sanctions and negotiating for their removal, stating: “There is no legal issue preventing private sector trade relations between Iran and the U.S.; the restrictions come from their side.”
Reviving the JCPOA in its current form is not in our interest, but it can be a basis for negotiations
Regarding the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), Araghchi noted: “The JCPOA in its current form and text is, in my view, not revivable, nor is it in our interest because our nuclear program has advanced significantly, and we cannot return to the conditions of the JCPOA. Similarly, the other side’s sanctions have evolved. However, the JCPOA can still serve as a basis or model for negotiations.”
If we return to the conditions of the JCPOA at that time, we will certainly follow the same path, but…
Iran’s Foreign Minister also stated: “If we return to the conditions of the JCPOA at that time, we will certainly follow the same path, but naturally, with the experiences we now have, we might make some adjustments and changes.”
We hope the U.S. government gains a proper understanding of the realities of the Islamic Republic
Araghchi continued by stating: “The reality of the Islamic Republic and its capabilities are different from what has been presented to others or what the Zionists portray to the world, and I am sure they are doing this in the United States as well. The attempt to perhaps show a weak image to the United States and its government is a false reality that will gradually be corrected in the minds of Trump and others over time.”
I hope they adopt more reasonable policies. A few months ago, I tweeted that maximum pressure faced maximum resistance from Iran during the first round. If they experience the same now, it will be the same outcome. Instead of maximum pressure, it would be better to apply maximum rationality. This requires a proper understanding of the realities.
MG
