Iran Open to Dialogue but Rejects US 'Coercion'
Iranian FM Araghchi says Tehran is open to dialogue based on credible guarantees but rejects US coercion and economic warfare.
Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi has signaled that Tehran is open to diplomatic engagement, provided there are credible guarantees on the table. Speaking at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Baghdad, Araghchi made it clear that while the door to dialogue is open, Iran will not be intimidated into submission.
Accusations of US Aggression
The Foreign Minister launched a scathing attack on the United States, accusing Washington of choosing a path defined by "aggression, threats, assassination, and economic warfare." Araghchi asserted that these actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for both the United Nations Charter and international law.
He emphasized that Iran remains steadfast in its sovereign rights and will not succumb to pressure.
"Iran does not accept coercion, threats, or intimidation, and will not relinquish its sovereign rights under pressure,"Araghchi stated, adding that any future talks must be rooted in mutual respect.
Diplomatic Hurdles and Regional Stability
During his visit to Baghdad, Araghchi also met with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. He accused the US of repeatedly disrupting diplomatic processes, which has hindered the path toward a resolution.
This sentiment was echoed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who declared that Tehran would not "bow down to the excesses of aggressor countries."
The Lebanon Connection
The broader regional conflict remains a primary concern for Tehran. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh, stressed that a lasting peace in the region is only possible if hostilities end across all fronts. He warned that continued fighting in any single area would only serve to prolong the wider conflict.
Khatibzadeh specifically highlighted Iran's commitment to ending the Israeli war on Lebanon. He referenced the Islamabad memorandum of understanding signed between Iran and the US in mid-June this year, noting that Lebanon was a key point of discussion. He further mentioned his efforts to bring the two sides closer during a recent visit to Beirut.
Political Shifts and US Reactions
In a significant domestic move, the Iranian parliament has officially approved the appointment of Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi as the country’s new defence minister.
Meanwhile, from the American side, Donald Trump has expressed confidence that the conflict with Iran will conclude "very quickly." Speaking at a campaign rally in Kentucky, Trump linked the end of the hostilities directly to the American economy, claiming that the conclusion of the war would lead to a significant drop in energy costs.
Trump promised his supporters that once operations conclude, gas prices for American consumers would plummet to levels lower than they were before the conflict began.