Araghchi: Iran Will Respond More Strongly to Any Adventurism

Tehran - BORNA - Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, told a Saudi newspaper that Tehran is ready to resume nuclear negotiations with Washington, but only on the condition of receiving guarantees against any military action targeting Iran.

The Iranian minister said the U.S. “will not achieve in any negotiations what it could not achieve through military attacks on nuclear facilities.”

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat following his participation in an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers in Jeddah on support for Gaza and Palestine, Araghchi did not rule out the possibility of a new confrontation with Israel, adding: “Anything is possible, and Tehran is ready for all scenarios.”

On Iran-Saudi relations, he emphasized: “Bilateral relations are at an unprecedented stage of cooperation. Saudi Arabia is a major country in the region and the Islamic world, and together with Iran, they constitute two key regional poles. Cooperation between the two countries ensures regional security and stability.”

Regarding Lebanon, the Foreign Minister stated: “We do not interfere in Lebanon’s internal affairs, but like other countries, we express our views and opinions. The issue of Hezbollah’s weapons is for the party and the Lebanese government themselves, and any plan for disarmament is entirely an Israeli scheme.”

In response to a question about threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, he said: “Iran’s official policy is clear. We seek calm and peace in the Persian Gulf. Iran is an oil-producing and exporting country, and its economy depends on it. Therefore, it is natural that we want freedom of navigation for everyone.”

The following is a summery of the important points raised by Araghchi during his interview:

“Gaza Needs Action, Not Statements”

The Foreign Minister of Iran said that the OIC foreign ministers’ meeting on developments in Gaza, convened at the request of Iran, Palestine, and Turkey, resulted in positive statements and important decisions.

He added that “the people of Gaza do not need statements and decisions from us; above all, they need practical support on the ground. They first need food, water, and medicine, and then peace, justice, and an end to occupation.”

Referring to his speech at the meeting, he said: “I emphasized that Islamic countries must take practical steps, and those that have relations with the Israeli regime must cut ties and stop trade exchanges, as this is a tangible step that can be taken.”

He continued: “Islamic countries should also have a unified voice in forums, organizations, and international courts to condemn Israel. Naturally, more than 50 Islamic countries and over a billion Muslims possess great capacities that can be used to support Gaza and Palestine.”

Nuclear Negotiations

Araghchi stressed that Tehran remains ready to engage in “fair and just” talks about its nuclear program. He noted that discussions with three European countries and the International Atomic Energy Agency are currently underway to establish a new framework for negotiations.

He said: “We are ready for indirect negotiations with the United States, provided that the Americans give assurances that no military attacks will occur during the talks. We must be sure that when they come to the negotiating table, it is for fair talks that serve the interests of both sides and are based on mutual benefits. But if they think they can achieve by negotiation what they could not through military attacks, such talks will not take place.”

He added: “We have never abandoned the negotiating table. Even while engaged in negotiations, Israel attacked us, and the United States joined it. Therefore, any new negotiations—if they occur—will not be the same as before. I have repeatedly emphasized that our position regarding indirect talks with the U.S. has not changed.”

Possibility of Confrontation with Israel

Regarding recent regional tensions and the potential for a new clash with Israel, the Iranian Foreign Minister said: “Anything is possible, and we are ready for all scenarios. Israel and the U.S. achieved none of their goals during the 12-day war, while the Islamic Republic heroically resisted and simultaneously responded to aggressions. We continued our missile strikes against Israel until the last moment, while they thought they could stop it within 48 hours.”

He continued: “After 12 days, it was Israel that requested an unconditional ceasefire, and since the request was unconditional, we accepted. If they try to repeat this scenario, we are ready. However, the 12-day war experience showed that the military option is not successful but failed. Therefore, I doubt they will repeat it, but if they do, they will face a similar, even stronger, response.”

Regional Issues and Relations

Araghchi said: “Recent events, including those in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and the attacks on Iran, proved to the entire region that the main enemy is the Israeli regime. I think everyone has realized that the regime threatening the entire region and trying to keep it weak, scattered, and divided is Israel. In the recent attack, all regional countries, without exception, stood with Iran and condemned this regime and even the U.S. attack.”

On regional relations, he stressed: “Over the past year and since the new government came to power in Iran, we have made significant efforts to build trust with regional countries. A similar situation existed during the previous government, but we accelerated the process under the current administration. Personally, I met twice last year with the Saudi Crown Prince and once during his meeting with Iran’s First Vice President. Three meetings in a year are unprecedented in the history of bilateral relations.”

He added: “We have also resumed relations with other regional countries, such as Egypt and Jordan, and our ties are now closer. Although diplomatic relations with Egypt are not at the highest level, the number of phone calls I have had with my Egyptian counterpart exceeds those with other regional ministers, and we have also held direct meetings. In my recent visits, it became clear that regional countries have gained greater trust in the Islamic Republic, recognized their main enemy, and have genuine concerns regarding threats from Israel. We will continue to advance this path.”

Lebanon

He stated: “The decision regarding Hezbollah’s weapons rests with the Lebanese themselves. Israel seeks to implement the same scenario as in Syria in Lebanon, that is, weakening and disarming. But we only give our opinion and do not interfere. We are even ready to cooperate with Saudi Arabia to help resolve the Lebanese crisis.”

Syria

Araghchi emphasized: “Iran’s position on Syria is clear: we stand for the unity and sovereignty of the country and oppose any plan for its partition. Stability in Syria benefits the entire region.”

Iran-Saudi Relations

He said: “The Saudis are our religious brothers. Over 80,000 Iranians perform Hajj annually, and around 400,000 perform Umrah. We hope Saudi tourists will visit Iran and witness the reality of our country firsthand. Cooperation between Iran and Saudi Arabia benefits the entire Islamic world.”

Economy and Investment

The Iranian Foreign Minister stressed: “There are numerous opportunities for economic cooperation. Our trade volume with one regional country reaches $30 billion; therefore, with Saudi Arabia, we could reach a similar level. Iran has great capacity for Saudi investors, particularly in oil, gas, and other industries.”

Araghchi concluded: “I am always optimistic. If cooperation among regional countries, especially between Iran and Saudi Arabia, is strengthened, we will witness a stable and advanced region. This is also the goal of Iran’s diplomacy.”

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