WANA (Mar 13) – Iran’s Foreign Minister has announced that Tehran is cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and that “a new idea has been proposed to resolve issues, which is currently under review.”

 

“Seyed Abbas Araghchi,” the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, stated in an interview that while advocating for constructive engagement with the world based on the fundamental principles of “dignity, wisdom, and expediency,” he found it necessary, in the early months of his tenure, to take meaningful steps to prevent a full-scale regional war and to adopt the rhetoric of warfare.

 

“A full-scale war has its own specific language and tone, and given the war-like conditions, the country’s foreign policy had to adapt to this reality. We pursue comprehensive engagement while considering the impact of our policies,” Araghchi stated.

 

Referring to the longstanding dualities in Iran’s foreign relations, the Foreign Minister emphasized: “I was trained as a diplomat to think nationally, and I will continue on this path. Wherever I believe the national interests of the country are served, I will go and fulfill my duty—whether in New York, Kabul, or Beirut.”

 

Commenting on Iran’s response to the “maximum pressure” policy of former U.S. President Donald Trump, Araghchi explained: “If we enter negotiations while facing maximum pressure, we would be negotiating from a position of weakness and would gain nothing. This is not about stubbornness or idealism; it is a technical matter. The other side must first realize that pressure tactics do not work—only then can we negotiate under equal conditions.”

 

He further clarified: “Our strategy of patience is not passive; it is patience coupled with initiative. We do not simply sit and wait for others to make decisions for us. Even regarding potential nuclear negotiations, we have a plan and a strategy. Indirect talks are ongoing, the European channel remains open, and we are in cooperation with Mr. Grossi and the IAEA. A new idea for resolving issues has been proposed, and we are currently reviewing it.”

 

Highlighting Europe’s mediation role in previous nuclear negotiations, Araghchi stated: “Europeans played a good intermediary role in the past, and they can do so again. We continue our talks with them, while also maintaining close consultations with Russia and China. However, ultimately, the U.S. must lift its sanctions, and we will only enter direct negotiations when we are on equal footing—free from pressure and threats—ensuring that our national interests are safeguarded.”

 

Addressing the concept of “limiting hostilities,” Araghchi remarked: “We can reduce costs.”

 

When asked whether the policy of cost reduction involves reviving the indirect negotiation channel through Muscat, he responded: “Yes. This is neither unusual nor unprecedented in history. Countries that were unwilling to talk directly have often communicated indirectly. So, indirect negotiations are feasible. The crucial point is not the format of talks but the presence of genuine political will for fair and just negotiations under equal conditions.”