In the face of renewed calls for direct talks by US President Donald Trump, Iran is signaling a more measured approach one that balances openness to diplomacy with firm resistance to perceived threats.
Trump, speaking Thursday, said he would prefer “direct talks” with Iran over its nuclear programme, arguing that “it goes faster and you understand the other side a lot better than if you go through intermediaries.”
However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the proposal as unrealistic under current conditions. “Direct negotiations would be meaningless with a party that constantly threatens to resort to force in violation of the UN Charter and that expresses contradictory positions from its various officials,” Araghchi said on Sunday.
The rejection reflects a broader Iranian strategy: asserting national dignity while engaging selectively in diplomatic efforts. “We remain committed to diplomacy and are ready to try the path of indirect negotiations,” he added in a foreign ministry statement.
Araghchi further emphasized Iran’s dual-track stance diplomacy backed by strength. “Iran keeps itself prepared for all possible or probable events, and just as it is serious in diplomacy and negotiations, it will also be decisive and serious in defending its national interests and sovereignty,” he said.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed a similar sentiment on Saturday, stating that Iran is willing to engage with the US “on equal footing.” Still, he voiced skepticism over Washington’s intentions: “If you want negotiations, then what is the point of threatening?”
As tensions simmer, Tehran appears to be walking a tightrope offering an olive branch, but only on its own terms.
