WANA (Apr 06) – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has reiterated the Islamic Republic’s commitment to diplomacy while casting doubt on the feasibility of direct talks with parties that “consistently threaten the use of force” in violation of the United Nations Charter.

 

Speaking at a Nowruz celebration held on Saturday evening, Araghchi said: “Direct negotiation with a side that repeatedly threatens military action and expresses contradictory positions through its officials is meaningless. However, we remain committed to diplomacy and are willing to pursue indirect talks.”

Nowruz Celebration Held with the Presence of Ambassadors and Heads of Diplomatic Missions in Tehran. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Nowruz Celebration Draws Diplomats and Officials

The Nowruz 1404 (2025) ceremony was hosted by Foreign Minister Araghchi and attended by a large number of ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions based in Tehran, and their spouses.

 

Several senior Iranian officials also participated, including Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad, Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh, Defense Minister Brigadier General Nasirzadeh, Science Minister Hossein Simaei Sarraf, and Atomic Energy Organization head Mohammad Eslami.

 

Croatian Ambassador Drago Štambuk, in his role as dean of the diplomatic corps, opened the event by congratulating attendees on the arrival of spring and Nowruz. He emphasized the holiday’s message of peace, human solidarity, and coexistence.

 

A Year of Challenges, A Call for Cooperation

In his address, Araghchi congratulated attendees on both Nowruz and Eid al-Fitr, and reflected on the challenges of the past year (1403), describing it as tumultuous for both Iran and the broader region. He reaffirmed Iran’s intention to advance its “principled and responsible policies” in the year ahead.

 

He condemned the humanitarian crises resulting from Israeli military operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, as well as what he called “illegal” U.S. attacks in Yemen. Araghchi stressed the need for international solidarity to end the suffering of the Palestinian people and to halt Israeli aggression in the region.

Nowruz Celebration Held with the Presence of Ambassadors and Heads of Diplomatic Missions in Tehran. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Iran Open to Talks, But Will Not Tolerate Threats

Addressing recent developments in U.S.-Iran relations, Araghchi said Iran’s response to a letter from the U.S. president had been calibrated based on its tone and content. He added, “The opportunity for diplomacy has been preserved.”

 

He reiterated Iran’s stance that direct talks under threats are not viable, but noted that Tehran is open to exploring indirect negotiations. Araghchi also reaffirmed the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program and criticized the U.S. for unilaterally withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the JCPOA. He said Iran is willing to re-engage in discussions based on reciprocal trust and the lifting of “unjust sanctions.”

 

“Iran, while committed to dialogue and resolving misunderstandings, remains fully prepared for any possible scenario. Just as we are serious in diplomacy, we are resolute in defending our national sovereignty and interests,” he stated.

 

Looking Ahead: Expanding Regional and Global Ties

Concluding his remarks, Araghchi expressed hope that the new year would bring expanded political, economic, and cultural relations between Iran and countries both in the region and around the world, grounded in mutual respect and cooperation.