FM: US fully aware of Iran's strong defensive power

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has stated that the US is well aware of the Islamic Republic’s formidable defensive capabilities, emphasizing Iran’s readiness to protect itself when necessary.

Speaking to Algerian elites and media executives in the capital, Algiers, Araghchi said, "At the very least, the Americans know well how far the Islamic Republic of Iran’s defensive power can extend", Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media.

The senior diplomat also made it clear that Iran’s commitment to peace should not be mistaken for weakness. "The Islamic Republic of Iran does not seek war, but if necessary, it knows well how to defend itself," he asserted.

Araghchi also expressed skepticism about the intentions of the US, noting, “We doubt the intentions of the US and are not certain they possess the will for a fair and serious negotiation, but we will test them.”

His comments come just ahead of planned indirect negotiations between Araghchi and US regional envoy Steve Witkoff in Muscat, Oman, scheduled for April 12. 

The talks, which will be mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, are expected to address ongoing issues between the two nations, including Iran’s nuclear programme.

"If their demand is for Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons, that demand can be examined," Araghchi said. "But if they have other objectives in mind, they may not achieve them," he added.

 Addressing ongoing Western concerns, Araghchi dismissed accusations that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons, calling such claims "a baseless accusation." "We are confident in the peaceful nature of our nuclear program and are prepared to address any concern or worry through diplomacy," he said.

Araghchi also reiterated that direct negotiations with the US would be impossible as long as Washington maintains its hostile stance.

"Negotiations must take place from a position of equality, fairness, and dignity, not under ‘maximum pressure’ and military threats," he said. 

"As long as ‘maximum pressure’ and threats continue, fair conditions for negotiation do not exist, and we will not engage in direct talks," he stated, referring to the US continued enforcement of unilateral sanctions and military threats toward Tehran. However, Araghchi made it clear that Iran remains open to diplomatic channels. 

"The path of diplomacy is not closed, and we have announced that we are open to indirect negotiations with the US," he affirmed. 

In addition, the Iranian official issued a warning about the actions of Israel, accusing the regime of actively trying to spark wider regional conflict. He highlighted Israel’s military actions in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria as part of its broader regional aggression.

By Naila Huseynova