Tehran - BORNA - Speaking on Monday during the "Salute to Ambassadors" ceremony held on the occasion of the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi asserted: "Whenever the language of force has been used against the Iranian nation, they have resisted; however, whenever they have been addressed with the language of respect, the people of Iran have responded in kind."
The Foreign Minister added that a "wall of mistrust" toward the United States exists, which stems directly from American behavior.
Seriousness in Negotiations
"We are very serious in these negotiations," Araghchi emphasized. "We seek genuine talks to reach a result, on the condition that our counterpart also shows seriousness and is prepared for a result-oriented process." He expressed hope that the necessary trust for the success of the negotiations could be established.
Regional Peace and Neighborhood Policy
Addressing regional stability, Araghchi stated: "I hope the coming year will be one of peace, tranquility, and the triumph of diplomacy over war. I hope our region experiences greater calm."
He reiterated that Iran’s primary policy is "close cooperation with neighbors," adding that all parties must strive together to maintain regional peace and stability while preventing increased tensions and confrontations.
Reflections on a Year of Extraordinary Developments
The Foreign Minister noted that Iran, the region, and the world have witnessed "significant and dramatic developments" over the past year.
"In this period, we witnessed the 12-day war, developments in New York, the referral of European countries to the Security Council, and the recent unrest—which should be termed a 'terrorist operation' occurring between January 8 and 10. These events, guided from abroad, sought to orchestrate something akin to a coup in Iran. Finally, we saw the U.S. military buildup in our region and the resumption of indirect negotiations," Araghchi explained. He noted that while any one of these events would be enough for a country for an entire year, Iran experienced them in rapid succession.
Resilience as the Driver of Diplomacy
Regarding the conflict earlier in the year, Araghchi remarked: "The 12-day war was a significant phenomenon. You may recall those who demanded unconditional surrender at the start of the war; by the twelfth day, they were the ones requesting an unconditional ceasefire."
He concluded by highlighting that the resilience of the Iranian people is what forced all parties back to the negotiating table. "What is clear in all these events was the resistance of the Iranian people. They stood firm to preserve the country and the Islamic Republic, rejecting all conspiracies. This resistance is exactly what led everyone back to diplomacy."
Araghchi reaffirmed: "There is no way to resolve Iran’s nuclear issue other than through diplomacy. This is a reality that has been experienced and proven time and again."
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