WANA (Mar 20) – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has stated that U.S. President Donald Trump’s letter primarily carried a tone of threat, though it also claimed to present certain opportunities.

 

Speaking during a special New Year’s Eve television program on Iranian Channel 2, Araghchi—who attended the event with his wife and young daughter—addressed questions regarding the details of Trump’s letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader. “The letter is mostly a threat, but it also claims to offer some so-called opportunities,” he said.

 

Iran Analyzing All Aspects of the Letter

Araghchi emphasized that Iran has thoroughly examined all angles of the letter. “We have studied every detail carefully,” he noted. “The response that is being prepared will take into account both the threats and opportunities mentioned in the letter. As the late General Soleimani once said, even within a threat, there lies an opportunity, and we will certainly consider these opportunities as well.”

 

Iran to Issue a Response

When asked whether Iran would officially respond to Trump’s letter, Araghchi confirmed: “Yes, a response will be given and delivered through the appropriate channels.” He added that the reply would be finalized in the coming days.

 

No Direct Negotiations Under Pressure

Addressing the topic of negotiations, Araghchi ruled out any direct talks under pressure or heightened sanctions. “We will not engage in direct negotiations while facing threats and economic sanctions,” he stressed. “Talks must take place under equal conditions, and our policy remains to avoid direct negotiations in such circumstances.”

 

Facing Challenges Ahead

Regarding speculation that the coming year could be particularly difficult, especially with October 2025 approaching, Araghchi acknowledged the challenges ahead. “Regardless of political narratives, next year will indeed be complex and significant,” he said.

 

However, he expressed confidence in Iran’s ability to navigate these difficulties, stating, “I am not worried. We are prepared and will overcome these complexities by the grace of God.”

 

“Great Nations Are Built in Hardships”

The foreign minister also reflected on the symbolic significance of the Persian New Year coinciding with the sacred Nights of Qadr. “This is a beautiful and meaningful alignment. I hope this year brings blessings and prosperity for everyone, and that God grants the best destiny for the Iranian nation,” he remarked.

 

Acknowledging the struggles of the past year, he stressed that hardship is a defining force in a nation’s growth. “Great nations are shaped through difficulties. Success and failure both contribute to progress, and challenges push us toward greater effort and innovation,” he said.

 

Commitment to National Interests

Araghchi reiterated Iran’s unwavering commitment to national interests in foreign policy. When asked about the implications of the new U.S. administration, he responded: “This is not unfamiliar territory for us. We have already experienced this administration’s policies and maximum pressure campaign once before.”

 

Concluding his remarks, Araghchi assured the Iranian people: “My colleagues and I in the foreign policy apparatus are fully committed to protecting Iran’s national interests. We will not miss any opportunity to safeguard the country’s security and prosperity, and we will exert every effort to ensure the best outcomes for our nation.”