WANA (Feb 01) – Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, told Al Jazeera Qatar that the deep-seated distrust between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States cannot be easily resolved. He emphasized that unblocking Iran’s frozen assets in certain countries could be one of the steps taken by Donald Trump’s administration to reduce Tehran’s mistrust.

 

Araghchi, who traveled to Doha on Thursday, January 31, 2025, to meet with senior Hamas officials and hold talks with the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, gave an in-depth interview with Al Jazeera during his short stay in the Qatari capital. The discussion covered the possibility of negotiations between Iran and the new U.S. administration, Tehran’s stance on the new government in Syria, and the impact of regional developments after October 7 on Iran’s power and influence as a key regional player. Araghchi reiterated that Iran remains a significant actor in the region and will continue to play its role in ensuring peace, stability, and security.

 

Distrust Between Iran and the U.S. Cannot Be Eliminated with Mere Words

When asked about Iran’s approach to negotiations with the new U.S. administration, Araghchi stated: “We have a long history with the United States, and unfortunately, this history is filled with extremely negative events and hostile actions against the Islamic Republic of Iran. From the very beginning of the Islamic Revolution and the establishment of the Islamic Republic, we have continuously faced American hostility and aggression toward Iran. The latest example is the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear agreement, not to mention the assassination of General Soleimani and other attacks. These events have created a long history of hostility and, most importantly, a profound lack of trust between Iran and the United States. Certainly, all of this cannot be undone with just words.”

 

Biden’s Administration Also Had Hostile Policies Toward Iran

Araghchi pointed out that Iran has closely followed the policies of the new U.S. administration, stating: “The previous U.S. administration not only lacked a positive stance toward Iran but had highly hostile policies. The pressure campaign and severe sanctions against Iran were intensified significantly under the last administration. We are closely monitoring the new U.S. government’s stance, particularly regarding Iran and the nuclear agreement, and we will make decisions based on their approach.”

 

No Basis for Opening a New Chapter with the U.S. for Now

When asked whether Iran is willing to start a new dialogue with Trump’s administration, Araghchi responded: “There must be a reason to open a new chapter. At this moment, I don’t see any basis for such a step. However, we have to wait and see what policies the other side adopts and whether they create a new environment that would justify such discussions.”

 

He also recalled the negotiations that led to the 2015 nuclear agreement, saying: “We previously engaged in direct and continuous negotiations with the U.S. administration, which resulted in an agreement on Iran’s nuclear program—a highly complex process. The entire world celebrated that agreement as a diplomatic achievement. But what was the outcome? The U.S. government decided to unilaterally withdraw from the deal. This lack of trust has accumulated, and overcoming it is not easy. I’m not saying it’s impossible, but it’s very difficult. It depends on how the U.S. government intends to rebuild Iran’s trust for constructive engagement.”

 

The Release of Iran’s Frozen Assets Could Be One of the Initial Steps by the U.S.

When asked what steps the U.S. should take to build trust, Araghchi stated: “I agree that this will not be easy because distrust has been deeply rooted over the years. There are many steps they can take. Iranian funds have been frozen in various locations by the U.S., despite existing agreements under which Iran fulfilled its commitments. The U.S. government, however, acted in violation of its obligations. Releasing these assets is one of the measures that could help build trust. Of course, I am not saying that one or two actions will immediately restore confidence, as our history with the U.S. after the revolution has been long and difficult. Rebuilding trust requires persistence, a shift in U.S. policies, and concrete positive steps by Washington. I believe they are fully aware of the measures they could take.”

 

Negotiations to Revive the JCPOA Will Be Limited to Nuclear Issues

Addressing whether future talks might include regional issues such as Syria, Araghchi explained: “During our previous negotiations with the U.S., the three European countries, China, and Russia within the P5+1 framework, we agreed to keep discussions strictly limited to the nuclear issue. This was a wise decision because introducing additional topics would have made negotiations even more complex and prolonged, reducing the chances of success. That was a successful experience. We had explicitly told the U.S., Europeans, and the international community that if the nuclear talks turned out to be a positive experience, there might be room for discussions on other matters. Unfortunately, those negotiations did not lead to a positive experience. While the agreement itself was an achievement, the West created significant obstacles in implementing it, and ultimately, the U.S. withdrew. Therefore, our past negotiations do not provide a positive precedent. If this time the negotiations (if they happen) yield a constructive outcome, it could naturally influence Iran’s trust and open the door for further steps.”

 

An Attack on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities Would Lead to a Full-Scale Regional War

In response to Israeli Prime Minister’s threats to strike Iran’s nuclear sites and the possibility of U.S. involvement, Araghchi warned:
“Iran is fully capable of responding. If the Americans make such a move, it would be one of their greatest historical mistakes. There are several points to consider: First, Iran’s nuclear program is indigenous, and the knowledge and expertise are ingrained in our scientists’ minds rather than just in physical infrastructure. Bombing or airstrikes will not eliminate this capability. Second, Iran’s nuclear facilities are not concentrated in one or two locations; they are widely dispersed and well-defended, making access to them extremely difficult, if not impossible, even through airstrikes. More importantly, Iran will respond immediately. Unlike in the past, if Iran’s nuclear facilities are attacked, our response will be swift and decisive. The Americans and Israelis know very well what targets we can strike in retaliation. In such a scenario, the entire region will be dragged into a full-scale war—an outcome that no one in the region or beyond desires. I highly doubt that the Americans would make such a catastrophic miscalculation.”

 

Nuclear Weapons Have No Place in Iran’s Military Doctrine

In response to a question about the possibility of Iran moving towards nuclear weapon production and whether Iran currently possesses such weapons, the Foreign Minister stated: “Iran does not have nuclear weapons. Nuclear weapons are not part of Iran’s military doctrine. Our security is ensured through other means, and nuclear weapons are considered forbidden for us. There is a clear religious ruling (fatwa) from the Supreme Leader, prohibiting the production, possession, and use of all weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons. And you fully understand the meaning of ‘forbidden.’ Do we have the capability to build nuclear weapons? Yes, we do, as we have previously mentioned. But do we have the will to build them? No, we do not have such a will, nor do we intend to develop nuclear weapons.”

 

Araghchi to Al Jazeera Reporter: “Are You a Cleric to Issue Fatwas?”

During the conversation, the Al Jazeera reporter challenged the Foreign Minister, saying: “Since you speak of what is forbidden and permissible, was helping Bashar al-Assad’s government forbidden? Then why did you do it?”

 

In response, the Iranian Foreign Minister asked: “Are you a judge or a cleric to issue religious rulings on what is forbidden and permissible? This is a jurisprudential matter. We cannot judge Syria so simply; it is a long and complex story. Syria has been a key part of the resistance front against Israel. The conspiracies it faced were designed by Israel itself. Whether or not the Syrian government and President Bashar al-Assad made mistakes is another issue—I won’t get into that. Certainly, there were mistakes, and if things had been handled differently, perhaps the outcome would have been different. The suffering of the Syrian people is undeniable. However, seeing Syria’s crisis solely as an internal issue between the government and the people is naive. From our perspective, it was the intervention of Israel, foreign forces, and the U.S. that pushed Syria into this situation. Their goal was to remove Syria from the resistance front and from supporting the Palestinian cause against Israeli occupation.”

 

Iran Seeks Stability, Peace, and Syria’s Territorial Integrity

When asked about Iran’s stance on the new political developments in Syria, the Foreign Minister responded: “We will support any government that is accepted by the Syrian people. Stability and peace in Syria are crucial for the stability of the entire region. We do not want Syria to become a hotspot for instability, constant tensions, or civil war. Such a scenario would make Syria a breeding ground for terrorists again, and this instability would spread to neighboring countries. We firmly oppose any division of Syria and any foreign occupation, particularly by Israel. Preserving Syria’s territorial integrity is of utmost importance to us. Ultimately, we expect the formation of an inclusive government that is accepted by all Syrians. We hope for a positive future.”

 

Extensive Talks with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister

Seyed Abbas Araghchi, when asked about the purpose of his visit to Qatar and meetings with Qatari officials, said: “We have a very strong and close relationship with Qatar, and our bilateral relations are at an excellent level. Several major projects between the two countries are either under review or in progress. We regularly consult with the Qatari government on regional issues, including Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and Palestine. We appreciate Qatar’s role in facilitating the ceasefire. A key objective of my visit was to continue consultations with my esteemed colleague, the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. We had an extensive meeting, discussing all regional and bilateral matters. I once again expressed gratitude for Qatar’s positive role in securing the ceasefire in Gaza. We hope that the remaining issues will be resolved and that the ceasefire will hold.”

 

The Outcome of the Gaza Conflict Was Decided at the Negotiating Table, Not on the Battlefield

Discussing another purpose of his visit to Doha, the Iranian Foreign Minister said: “Another important objective was to meet with our friends in Hamas’s Executive Council, which is based in Doha. We had an excellent meeting, and I congratulated the people of Gaza on their victory. This is truly a turning point in history—16 months of enduring genocide, daily bombings, and the total destruction of their land, yet they stood firm and remained committed to their goals. This deserves recognition. I conveyed this to our friends in Hamas. In my view, Hamas has achieved a victory. The Israeli enemy aimed to destroy Hamas and free its captives, but in the end, it was forced to negotiate with Hamas itself. This means that the outcome of the battle was decided at the negotiating table, not on the battlefield.

 

In our discussions with senior Hamas officials, we had highly constructive consultations. On behalf of Iran’s leadership, government, and people, I congratulated Hamas. I emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. Of course, this is a difficult path, but I know that other nations and Islamic countries are also prepared to help.”

 

The Death of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Other Hamas & Hezbollah Fighters Was a Heavy Loss

Responding to another question from Al Jazeera about the consequences of the October 7 attack and the Gaza war for the region and Iran, Araghchi stated: “The events of October 7 came at a heavy cost for the Palestinian people, the Lebanese people, and the entire region. The resistance also suffered significant losses. The death of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was a major blow, as was the loss of other Hezbollah and Hamas commanders. However, these losses do not mean the end or even the weakening of the resistance. On the contrary, these were invaluable experiences that will be utilized in the future.”

 

The People of Gaza Have Revived the Palestinian Cause with Their Blood

The Foreign Minister continued: “This is not the first time Hezbollah has lost a leader. When Martyr Mousavi was assassinated by Israel, Hezbollah suffered a great setback but quickly rebuilt itself, becoming stronger and more influential. I firmly believe that the Palestinian cause is now more alive than ever. Before Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, many assumed Palestine was a forgotten issue, normalization processes (between Israel and Arab/Islamic countries) were underway, and Israel had grand plans for the region. But the people of Palestine and Gaza revived the Palestinian cause and brought it back to the forefront of regional and global affairs.

 

Unfortunately, this revival came at the cost of immense bloodshed. The criminal nature of Israel, engaging in genocide, has become clearer to the world. I believe the resistance, having gained substantial experience, will continue to play a significant role in the region. Today, I am more hopeful and confident than ever that the Palestinian people will achieve their aspirations.”

 

Iran Remains a Key and Influential Player in the Region

In response to a question about whether the blows suffered by Hezbollah and the political shifts in Syria have impacted Iran’s regional power, Araghchi stated: “Any setback has its consequences, but Iran’s power does not depend on individuals or organizations. Firstly, our strength comes from our people. Secondly, Iran’s true power lies in its ideological influence and the concept of resistance. I believe that today, this ideology is more alive than ever. Our defense capabilities remain strong, and our ability to respond to any attack is intact. In recent operations, the effectiveness of Iran’s missiles was evident. These missiles have now been further refined and improved based on battlefield experience. I am confident that Iran remains a key and influential player in the region, and we will continue to play our role in ensuring peace, stability, and security.”