Araghchi: No Negotiations with the U.S. Beyond the Nuclear Issue
WANA (Oct 11) – Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, appeared tonight on Special News Talk program to discuss regional developments, the Gaza ceasefire, the so-called Abraham Accords, and recent remarks by U.S. officials.
Iran’s Support for Ending Crimes in Gaza
At the start of the interview, Araghchi referred to the recent ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing: “Analyzing the future is one thing; facing today’s realities is another. We have consistently supported any initiative that leads to stopping the atrocities against the people of Gaza and ending the ongoing genocide.”
He added: “In all international forums and bilateral contacts, the Islamic Republic of Iran has stressed the need to restrain the perpetrators and halt the destruction of Gaza. Any effort made in that direction has our full support.”
The Foreign Minister warned that Israel cannot be trusted, reminding that: “In the past, ceasefires — including in Lebanon — have been repeatedly violated by the Zionist regime. We have issued the necessary warnings and will continue to do so.”
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WANA (Oct 11) – Hamas’s conditional acceptance of the ceasefire plan in Gaza has brought the equations of the two-year war and Israel’s stated objectives to an unexpected point. While Washington and Tel Aviv describe the plan as a step toward stability, many analysts see it as a sign of a shift in the field […]
“Phase One” of the Ceasefire Implemented, but Gaza Remains Occupied
Describing the current situation, Araghchi said: “The first phase of the ceasefire has been implemented, combat operations have stopped, and an initial withdrawal has taken place. However, over fifty percent of Gaza’s territory remains under Israeli occupation, and there are serious doubts as to whether a full withdrawal will ever occur.”
He stated that an exchange of prisoners and detainees is expected in the coming days, adding: “We have always supported the Palestinian people and the resistance groups. The decision to accept the ceasefire was made by the resistance itself, and any action that helps stop the crimes and facilitate humanitarian aid will be supported by Iran.”
People attend a rally in support of the people of Gaza, after Friday prayers in Tehran, Iran, October 10, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Iran’s Position: Support for the Ceasefire, Caution About What Comes Next
Araghchi underlined that Iran’s stance on the ceasefire is “realistic and comprehensive”, saying: “We support every effort that contributes to halting the genocide, starting reconstruction, and restoring the rights of the Palestinian people. At the same time, we remain vigilant against the Zionist regime’s deceit and betrayal.”
He recalled that the Foreign Ministry’s statement emphasized the same point — that while the ceasefire was initiated by the resistance groups, “it in no way absolves the international community of its responsibility to punish those responsible for the Gaza crimes.”
He continued: “This agreement does not exonerate the perpetrators. The rulings of international courts against the prime minister of the illegitimate Zionist regime must be pursued.”
Iran’s Foreign Ministry Statement on Gaza Ceasefire Proposal
WANA (Oct 06) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement regarding the proposed Gaza ceasefire plan put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump, stressing that any decision in this regard lies solely within the authority of the Palestinian people and resistance groups. The statement read: “While taking into account the dangerous dimensions and implications of […]
“No Negotiations with the U.S. Beyond the Nuclear Issue”
Responding to a question about recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, Araghchi said: “Mr. Trump’s perception of Iran’s positions is based solely on our public statements. No messages have been exchanged, and no talks have taken place.”
He stressed: “At no time — neither in the past nor recently — have we held any discussions with the Americans, or any other party, on issues beyond the nuclear matter, particularly regarding the resistance. Any attempt to link regional developments to the nuclear file has been firmly rejected by us.”
The Abraham Accords: “A Sacred Name, a Treacherous Foundation”
Commenting on Trump’s remarks about the possibility of Iran joining the so-called Abraham Accords, Araghchi said: “Mr. Trump tends to repeat topics he finds appealing in different forms. The Abraham Accords, despite their sacred name, are a treacherous scheme — an attempt to deprive the Palestinian people of their legitimate rights and normalize relations with an occupying, criminal, child-killing regime.”
He stated clearly: “The Islamic Republic’s position has always been, and remains, absolutely clear. This plan has nothing to do with our principles, and such a thing will never happen.”
A man wearing a Trump mask attends a rally in support of the people of Gaza, after Friday prayers in Tehran, Iran, October 10, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Doubts About the Future of the Ceasefire
The Foreign Minister also pointed to the inconsistent policies of the current U.S. administration, saying: “We see the same pattern in the Gaza issue. Promises have been made about reconstruction and justice for the Palestinian people, but there are serious doubts about whether these promises will ever be fulfilled.”
He concluded: “Almost all regional officials I’ve spoken with have expressed skepticism about the next phases of this agreement. That’s why all sides are currently focused only on the first phase. The next stages will be much more difficult, and then we’ll see how much commitment remains to those promises.”
We Have Negotiated Only on the Nuclear Issue
Seyed Abbas Araghchi, responding to recent Western remarks about a so-called “comprehensive agreement,” stated: “We do not recognize such an agreement at all, because a comprehensive deal requires comprehensive negotiations — and we have never held talks beyond the nuclear issue. Not with the P5+1 in the past, not with the three European countries at present, and not with the United States.”
He added: “Therefore, the notion of a comprehensive agreement has no relevance to us. Should negotiations ever take place again, they will be confined strictly to the nuclear framework — as they always have been in the past.”
People walk past a billboard with a picture of nuclear scientists killed in Israeli strikes and Iranian centrifuges, on a street in Tehran, Iran August 29, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Europe No Longer Has a Role in the Nuclear File
Araghchi noted that the three European countries (E3) “no longer have any relevance for Iran,” explaining: “They have used all their available tools and now play no role in Iran’s nuclear case. From now on, our relations with any European country will be based solely on Iran’s national interests.”
He stressed: “At this stage, we see no basis for talks with the three European states. They must explain why Iran should negotiate again with parties that both violated the agreement and failed to fulfill their obligations.”
Message Exchanges with the U.S. Continue Through Mediators
Responding to reports of alleged direct contact with Washington, the Foreign Minister clarified: “There has been no direct or phone contact with the American side. Only during the recent conflicts were messages conveyed through Mr. Wittkoff’s channel.”
He added: “Of course, message exchanges through intermediaries have always existed, but at present, we see no grounds for any formal dialogue.”
Iran’s FM Denies Direct Talks with Witkoff
WANA (Sep 20) – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has dismissed reports by some Western media claiming that he held direct talks with Steve Witkoff, the U.S. President’s special envoy. In an interview with a domestic news agency, Araghchi stated: “No direct contact or conversation has taken place between Iran and the United […]
Talks with the U.S. Only Under “Mutual Respect and Balance”
Araghchi emphasized: “If the United States is ready for an equal, fair, and balanced dialogue — and refrains from viewing negotiations as dictation — Iran has always been open to dialogue. We have never abandoned the banner of negotiation.”
Western Overreach Led to Deadlock in New York Talks
Regarding the latest round of discussions in New York, the Foreign Minister explained: “We put forward a reasonable proposal — one even described as ‘logical’ by the French president himself. But when asked why he wouldn’t accept it, he replied that perhaps the foreign minister’s view differs from that of his government — an entirely illogical argument.”
He continued: “We stated that if the U.S. completely abandoned the snapback mechanism and allowed Resolution 2231 to expire on schedule, we would be ready to negotiate on 60-percent enrichment. But the American side only offered to delay the snapback for six months — a proposal both irrational and unacceptable. That is why the New York talks reached a deadlock.”
Witkoff Requested Direct Talks; Iran Set Its Conditions
Commenting on the U.S. request for face-to-face dialogue, Araghchi said: “Mr. Witkoff sent a message expressing readiness for direct talks. We agreed — on the condition that the three European countries and Mr. Grossi also attend the meeting. But he refused.”
The minister added: “He wanted us to accept their demands before any discussion even began. I told him that everywhere in the world, negotiations come first, and agreements follow — not the other way around. When he rejected that logic, we made it clear such a meeting was unnecessary.”
The “Cairo Agreement” Is Currently Suspended
Answering a question about cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Araghchi said: “The Cairo Agreement was formed based on field realities after the recent attacks. But since the three European states took illegal action at the UN Security Council, the agreement is now suspended.”
He clarified: “Nevertheless, essential technical cooperation — such as inspections at the Bushehr power plant and the Tehran reactor — will continue under the decision of the Supreme National Security Council.”
Cairo Agreement between Iran and IAEA. Social media/ WANA News Agency
“Iran’s Position on the Three Islands Is Immutable”
Responding to a joint statement by the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) and the European Union, the Foreign Minister said: “Iran’s stance on the three islands is absolutely clear: these islands are part of Iranian territory, and no one has the right to encroach upon Iran’s soil.”
He added: “Interestingly, even some European countries expressed surprise after the statement’s release, noting that the word ‘occupation’ did not reflect their position — which, they clarified in official explanations, remains limited to the existing dispute between Iran and the UAE, not any claim of occupation.”
Iran’s sovereignty over the three islands. Social Media / WANA News Agency
Iran Collecting Evidence for Legal Action over the Twelve-Day War
Seyed Abbas Araghchi, said: “We are currently in the process of collecting evidence related to the twelve-day war. This effort is being carried out in coordination with the Presidential Legal Affairs Office, and we have asked all relevant institutions to report the extent of the damages.”
He added: “The military dimension is more complex due to security and confidentiality concerns, but documentation is underway with all necessary precautions. This process will take time, and once completed, a decision will be made on how to pursue the case before international courts.”
Putin Delivered Netanyahu’s Message
In response to a question about remarks made by the Russian president, Araghchi said: “Three or four nights ago, a phone call took place between Netanyahu and President Putin. The next morning, Iran’s ambassador was invited to the Kremlin, where Russian officials informed us that Netanyahu had insisted he had no intention of launching another war or military confrontation with Iran. President Putin also made this statement public.”
Araghchi added: “This message did not alter our field assessments. The Iranian armed forces remain on full alert and are being strengthened day by day. The Zionist regime has a record of deceit, and such messages could be intended to mislead. Of course, it is logically true that Israel currently lacks the capacity for another attack, but we will not be deceived.”
The Twelve-Day War Proved Iran Will Not Back Down
The Foreign Minister stated: “The twelve-day war demonstrated that the Islamic Republic of Iran will not remain silent in the face of foreign aggression. The enemy thought it could surprise us and force Iran into submission, but instead, it received a swift and decisive response. Iran’s reaction continued from the very first moments until the end of the war — and in my view, this experience was a severe blow to the other side.”
Warning Against Psychological Warfare and Disinformation
Addressing the postwar information climate, Araghchi said: “A massive psychological war against Iran is underway — from the spread of fake news about supposed contacts and negotiations to rumors aimed at undermining public morale. All of these are lies intended to frighten society and create tension.”
He added: “As I’ve said before, the reimposition of UN resolutions will have no major economic effect, since U.S. sanctions have already been in place. People can see that there has been no change in the economic situation. We must not fall for the enemy’s psychological operations — whether in the fields of sanctions, military action, or media narratives.”
The first images of the coffins of the martyrs of the war with the Israeli regime. Social media/ WANA News Agency
Domestic Media Must Counter the Enemy’s Psychological Operations
Referring to a report from the Intelligence Minister, Araghchi said: “A large portion of online activity is being orchestrated by the Zionist regime and anti-Iranian groups abroad. Their goal is to sow confusion and weaken public morale. Domestic media must remain alert, avoid falling into this trap, and work actively to restore calm and confidence in society.”
No Verified Reports of Iranian Ships Being Inspected
Explaining the implications of the restored UN Security Council resolutions, Araghchi said: “Resolution 1929 and earlier ones allowed countries to inspect Iranian vessels, but even back then, no such incidents occurred. To date, we have no credible reports of this happening now either. Should any country attempt such an action, Iran will respond appropriately and reciprocally.”
He emphasized: “Escalation in the region serves no one’s interests. Iran has always called for de-escalation and regional stability.”
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Iran-Russia Strategic Agreement Enters Implementation Phase
In another part of the interview, the Foreign Minister discussed Tehran–Moscow relations, stating: “The comprehensive strategic agreement between Iran and Russia has now entered its implementation phase. Legal procedures in both countries have been completed, and the document has been officially endorsed by the presidents for execution.”
Araghchi added: “This agreement establishes long-term trust between the two countries and creates a stable framework for cooperation in the fields of economy, energy, politics, and defense. Specific contracts will emerge from this framework to define concrete areas of collaboration.”
He concluded: “The signing of this agreement marks the consolidation of a strategic and enduring partnership between Tehran and Moscow — one based on trust, stability, and a long-term vision.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian meet in Moscow, Russia January 17, 2025. / WANA News Agency
Iran Urges Restraint Between Afghanistan and Pakistan / Special Envoys in Contact
Seyed Abbas Araghchi, commenting on the recent clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, said: “We have good relations with both countries. With Pakistan, in particular, our ties are long-standing and very solid. We also have a long history with Afghanistan; however, despite ongoing cooperation and generally good relations, there are certain challenges with the new administration in Kabul. We have not yet formally recognized the new Afghan government, but we maintain communication and practical cooperation with both sides.”
He continued: “This afternoon I spoke with the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, who provided explanations about the nature of the disputes, the existing issues, and the steps they have taken so far.”
Concluding his remarks, Araghchi stated: “Our position is that both parties must show restraint. Stability in relations among Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan directly contributes to regional stability. Therefore, it was decided that the two foreign ministers — acting as our special representatives on Afghan affairs — will continue consultations with each other. God willing, similar discussions will also be held with our Afghan friends so that this issue can be resolved throu gh other means.”
