Iranian FM Seeks More Nuclear Talks, Warns U.S.

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Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Saturday that Iran hopes to resume talks with the United States soon, while reaffirming Tehran’s non-negotiable red lines and issuing a warning against any American military actions. During an interview with Al Jazeera, excerpts of which were shared on his official Telegram channel, Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s missile program remains “never negotiable” in discussions held in Oman on Friday.

He threatened that Iran would retaliate by targeting U.S. military bases in the region if the United States attacks Iranian territory. Despite these tensions, Araghchi mentioned that, although the Oman talks involved indirect communication, there was an opportunity to shake hands with the U.S. delegation. He described the negotiations as “a good start” and suggested that building mutual trust would take time, with plans to continue talks “soon.”

President Donald Trump called the negotiations “very good” on Friday and committed to holding another round next week. However, the same day, he signed an executive order imposing tariffs on countries maintaining business with Iran. The U.S. also announced new sanctions targeting various shipping companies and vessels in an effort to curb Iran’s oil exports.

Araghchi stated that Iran considers nuclear enrichment an “inalienable right” and insists it must continue. “We are prepared to reach a reassuring agreement on enrichment,” he said. He added that Iran believes the nuclear issue can only be resolved through negotiations. The missile program, tied to national defense, remains non-negotiable for Tehran.

Washington has aimed to address Iran’s missile capabilities and other issues, including those advocated by Israel, which Iran has strongly rejected attempting to expand the scope of these talks beyond the nuclear dossier. The recent negotiations, the first since last year’s collapse of nuclear talks following Israel’s unprecedented bombing campaign and a subsequent 12-day war, came amid a significant U.S. military buildup in the region intensified by Iran’s crackdown on protests that began in late December over economic grievances.

Araghchi warned that Iran would attack U.S. bases if Washington targets Iranian land. The discussions marked a notable shift, being the first since the fallout of previous nuclear talks. The U.S. delegation at Oman was led by Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, the president’s influential son-in-law.

Following the talks, Araghchi told Iranian state television that the atmosphere was positive, with arguments exchanged and views shared. He also expressed hope that U.S. threats and pressure would cease to allow negotiations to move forward smoothly. During his speech at the Al Jazeera Forum in Qatar, Araghchi criticized Israel’s expansion of military power and regional disarmament pressures, but he did not mention the Oman talks directly.