TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday expressed hope that negotiations with the United States would resume soon, while reiterating Tehran’s red lines and warning that any American attack on Iran would draw a strong response.
In remarks shared on his official Telegram channel from an interview with Al Jazeera, Araghchi said Iran’s missile programme was not discussed during indirect talks held in Oman and stressed that it was “never negotiable” as it related to the country’s defence.
He warned that Iran would target US military bases in the region if Washington launched an attack on Iranian territory.
Despite the warnings, the foreign minister described the talks in Muscat as “a good start,” saying an opportunity even arose to shake hands with the American delegation, though discussions were indirect. He added that rebuilding trust would take time but expressed optimism that negotiations would resume “soon.”
US President Donald Trump on Friday termed the talks “very good” and said another round of negotiations would be held next week. However, he also signed an executive order effective Saturday calling for the imposition of tariffs on countries continuing business with Iran. Washington further announced new sanctions targeting shipping companies and vessels linked to Iran’s oil exports.
Araghchi said Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme was its “inalienable right” and must continue, though he added Tehran was willing to reach a “reassuring agreement” on enrichment through negotiations.
“The Iranian nuclear issue will only be resolved through talks,” he said, while reiterating that Iran would not accept any expansion of negotiations beyond the nuclear file.
The talks in Oman marked the first engagement between Iran and the United States since negotiations collapsed last year following Israel’s bombing campaign against Iran, which led to a 12-day conflict and US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Araghchi again warned that Iran would retaliate by striking US bases in the region if attacked. He also criticised what he described as a “doctrine of domination” that allows Israel to expand its military arsenal while pressing other regional states to disarm.
Speaking separately to Iranian state media, Araghchi said both sides had agreed to continue negotiations and expressed hope that the United States would refrain from threats and pressure so diplomacy could move forward.