Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi rejects ceasefire claims

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addressed the ongoing tensions with the United States and developments in the region during an interview with U.S. media. Responding to reports suggesting that Iran had requested a ceasefire or negotiations, Araghchi denied the claims and stated that Iran would continue its defense for as long as necessary.

“We never asked for a ceasefire”

Araghchi rejected allegations that Iran had requested a ceasefire or negotiations.

“We never asked for a ceasefire, and we did not request negotiations either. We are ready to defend ourselves for as long as it takes, and we have done so until now. We will continue our defense until President Trump understands that this war is illegal and cannot be won.”

“We have no good experience negotiating with the U.S.”

Speaking about possible talks with Washington, Araghchi said Iran had little reason to return to negotiations.

“We see no reason to talk with the Americans because when they decided to attack us, we were already negotiating with them. This has happened for the second time, and we do not have a good experience negotiating with the United States. We were attacked while talks were ongoing. What benefit would there be in returning to the negotiating table?”

“We only target U.S. assets and bases”

Araghchi also rejected accusations that Iran’s attacks in the region targeted civilians.

“We only target U.S. assets, facilities, and military bases belonging to the United States. Everything we have targeted belongs to the U.S. The reality is that some countries’ territories are being used to launch attacks against us.”

He added that Iran had recently faced attacks on its islands using short-range HIMARS rockets and claimed the attack was launched from the territory of the United Arab Emirates. Araghchi also referred to an incident in which three F-15 fighter jets reportedly crashed in Kuwait, questioning why those aircraft were operating there.

“The Strait of Hormuz is not closed”

Commenting on security in the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi said Iran had not closed the strategic waterway.

“We are ready to talk with countries that want to discuss the safe passage of their ships. However, the final decision belongs to our military forces. We have not closed the Strait of Hormuz. Ships are avoiding the region because of the insecurity caused by U.S. attacks.”

“Enriched uranium is under the rubble”

Araghchi also addressed questions about the location of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.

“The figure of around 440 kilograms of enriched uranium was confirmed and announced by the International Atomic Energy Agency. This is not a secret. Our nuclear facilities were attacked, and everything is now under the rubble. Of course it would be possible to retrieve it, but only under the supervision of the Agency. At the moment we have no plan to remove it.”

Proposal to dilute 60% enriched uranium

Araghchi said that before the recent attacks, Iran had offered to dilute uranium enriched to 60 percent as part of discussions with the United States.

“This was one of the elements of the agreement we were negotiating with the Americans. I offered to reduce the enrichment level of these materials. It was an important proposal and a significant concession to show that Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons and never will.”

“No proposal on the table right now”

Araghchi concluded by saying that there is currently no active proposal for negotiations.

“Everything depends on the future. If we decide to return to negotiations with the United States or other parties, then we will determine what to put on the table. For now, there is no proposal on the table.”