Iranian FM rules out direct talks with US, defends missile, nuclear programs

Iran has no plans to abandon its missile program or uranium enrichment, and it does not intend to engage in direct talks with the United States, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said.

Araghchi stated that Iran is prepared to hold discussions to address concerns about its nuclear program, emphasising that it is peaceful in nature. He added that while a fair agreement could be reached, Washington had presented conditions that Iran considered impossible and unacceptable, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

The foreign minister also made clear that Tehran has no intention of negotiating over its missile program, describing it as essential and saying it would be unwise for Iran to give up its weapons.

Araghchi suggested that any agreement with the United States could only be achieved through indirect dialogue rather than direct negotiations.

Addressing the fate of enriched uranium following Israeli strikes in June 2025, he said that the nuclear materials remained under the rubble of bombed facilities and had not been moved elsewhere. Despite damage to infrastructure and equipment, Araghchi stressed that Iran’s nuclear technology itself remained intact.

By Sabina Mammadli