WANA (Feb 10) – Iran’s Foreign Minister emphasized that no logic justifies negotiating under pressure and threats, stating: “We will not allow anyone to impose their will on the Iranian nation.”

 

Speaking at a rally commemorating the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, Seyed Abbas Araghchi said: “Today, we are facing a U.S. president who has adopted a policy of maximum pressure against the Iranian nation. While signing and enforcing measures to pressure Iran, he simultaneously speaks of negotiations in an attempt to deceive. What they mean by negotiation is a surrender negotiation, but the Iranian nation will never submit.”

 

Raising the question of why Iran should negotiate under pressure, he added: “What logic and what free-thinking person would accept negotiations under such conditions?”

 

Araghchi questioned why Iran should trust the U.S. again, stating: “What have they done to make Iran return to the negotiating table other than increasing threats and pressure? No country would accept negotiations under such circumstances. The U.S. has a long history of breaking promises, especially in the nuclear agreement, where we witnessed their violations firsthand.”

 

He continued: “Iran had previously entered negotiations in good faith and fulfilled its commitments, but what was the result? They failed to honor their obligations and withdrew from the agreement.”

He clarified that Iran is not refusing negotiations out of stubbornness but based on logic and expert analysis: “No country enters negotiations under threats, sanctions, and pressure unless it intends to surrender.”

 

Araghchi pointed out that 46 years ago, the Iranian people overthrew a tyrannical, corrupt regime dependent on foreign powers. He emphasized that the main slogan of the revolution was “Independence, Freedom, Islamic Republic.”

 

He explained why independence was crucial for the Iranian people: “Our country was dependent on the West and followed foreign powers, especially the U.S. The people did not feel true independence.”

Iranians attend the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Tehran, Iran, February 10, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

The Foreign Minister stressed that the Iranian Revolution was meant to ensure that no foreign power could dictate terms to the Iranian nation and its leaders, calling this the great achievement of the Islamic Republic.

 

He added: “Therefore, after the revolution, the first and most fundamental slogan of the Iranian nation was ‘Neither East nor West,’ ensuring that no foreign envoy could dare to dictate terms to our ambassadors and officials.”

 

He further elaborated that “Neither East nor West” remains a key principle of Iran’s foreign policy, but this does not mean avoiding interaction and relations with the world.

An Iranian missile is displayed during the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Tehran, Iran, February 10, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

“This policy means not relying on or being dependent on major powers from either the East or the West. We rely only on ourselves and our people—people who will never abandon the Islamic system under any circumstances,” he asserted.

 

Referring to the words of Iran’s Supreme Leader, he stated: “The Iranian nation has the courage to stand against global arrogance. With the support of our people and under the wise leadership of the Supreme Leader, we stand firm against oppression and will not allow anyone to impose their will on our nation through threats and sanctions.”

 

In another part of his speech, Araghchi highlighted the victory of the resilient people of Gaza against Israel, saying: “These days, we are witnessing both the anniversary celebrations of the Islamic Revolution in Iran and the celebrations of the Palestinian people in Gaza. The people of Palestine resisted under heavy bombardment and mass atrocities, which are described as genocide.”

 

He stressed that, despite committing genocide, the enemy failed to achieve its objectives: “They sought to eliminate Hamas and free their captives, yet they achieved none of their goals. After 16 months, they were forced to negotiate with the same Hamas they intended to destroy for the release of their prisoners. This is the result of resistance and steadfastness.”

Iranians burn the U.S. flag during the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Tehran, Iran, February 10, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Araghchi acknowledged that the people of Gaza have paid a high price but have never abandoned their land, independence, or dignity.

 

He also condemned discussions about the forced displacement of Gaza’s population, calling it a violation of international law and fundamental human rights: “How is it possible to expel the people of a land from their own homeland? These are people who, despite war, did not leave their country and resisted. Do they think they can achieve this goal politically?”

 

Recalling a recent meeting in Tehran, he stated: “Yesterday, a delegation of Hamas leaders was in Tehran. They told us that the people of Gaza, like olive trees, have deep roots in this land and will never abandon their homeland.”

 

Araghchi concluded by noting that numerous Islamic countries have condemned these actions, making it clear that the enemy will fail in this objective as well.