Araghchi: No Apocalyptic View of Sanctions; Talks with Europe, U.S., and IAEA Ongoing
Tehran - BORNA - Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that while sanctions have created challenges for Iran’s economy, foreign trade, Tehran refuses to view these pressures as “apocalyptic” and continues its diplomatic engagements with Europe, the United States, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Araghchi stressed that sanctions were designed to paralyze Iran but have failed to do so. “Those who imposed so-called crippling sanctions wanted to break Iran,” he said. “But the reality is that the Islamic Republic has stood firm. We neither deny the impact of sanctions nor surrender to them. The correct approach is realism and pragmatism.”
On negotiations with Europe, Araghchi pointed to recent rounds of talks with the foreign ministers of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, as well as a meeting with the EU foreign policy chief in Doha that lasted over two hours. “A better understanding of the situation is emerging,” he noted. “The three European countries made a grave mistake by moving toward activating the snapback mechanism. This step has only made matters more difficult and complicated. Our discussions with them are continuing, and we hope to reach a common understanding.”
Addressing the United States, Araghchi confirmed that indirect exchanges of messages are ongoing through intermediaries. “The day the Americans are ready for negotiations based on mutual respect and mutual interests, we will resume direct talks,” he stated. He underscored that Iran is not opposed to diplomacy but expects Washington to demonstrate genuine goodwill—something that has been absent in recent years.
On sanctions relief, Araghchi said the issue must naturally be resolved through dialogue. “We have been serious about negotiations to lift sanctions,” he explained. “After the unjust war imposed on us and the heroic defense of our forces, the shape of future talks will be different from those before the war. Negotiations have not been removed from the agenda, but their form and dimensions have changed. We are working on new designs to address emerging concerns and realities.”
Turning to relations with the IAEA, Araghchi said cooperation with the Agency had been disrupted following recent U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. “We need a new framework for cooperation,” he declared. “Fortunately, talks with the IAEA have already begun. My colleagues in Vienna held discussions with Agency officials today, and from what I know, they were constructive. We are moving closer to an agreement to establish a framework that reflects both the parliamentary law and the realities on the ground. Our goal is to open a new phase of cooperation with the IAEA that addresses all legitimate concerns.”
Araghchi concluded that the way forward requires clarity and design. “Negotiations remain part of our policy,” he said. “But they must reflect the new realities after the war, the new concerns raised, and the new framework that we are shaping.”
End Article
