Tehran urges Washington to abandon force-based policy in nuclear talks

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called on Washington to abandon the possibility of using force against Tehran amid nuclear talks, according to an article published by The Washington Post.

Commenting on indirect talks between Tehran and Washington on April 12 in Oman, he noted that “Iran is ready to engage in earnest and with a view to seal a deal,” as per Caliber.Az.

Araghchi also emphasized that the indirect format of interaction between the US and Iran is due to “significant mistrust” and doubts about the sincerity of intentions, which have only intensified due to the resumption of the US policy of maximum pressure on Iran.

“To move forward today, we first need to agree that there can be no “military option,” let alone a “military solution.” President Trump clearly recognizes this reality in urging a ceasefire as the first course of action to end the Ukraine conflict,” the Iranian top diplomat said.

Araqchi stated that Iran is “willing to clarify our peaceful intent and take the necessary measures to allay any possible concern” over its nuclear program.

“For its part, the United States can show that it is serious about diplomacy by showing that it will stick to any deal it makes. If we are shown respect, we will reciprocate it,” he said, highlighting that military buildups send the exact opposite signal.

The minister said that “Iran prefers diplomacy, but it knows how to defend itself,” adding that “the ball is now in America’s court.”

In March 2025, President Donald Trump sent a letter to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, proposing direct talks to address Iran's nuclear activities. However, Iran has maintained its stance on preferring indirect discussions. ​In early April 2025, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the prospect of direct negotiations with the U.S., labeling them as "meaningless." He cited concerns over U.S. threats of force and contradictory positions as deterrents to meaningful dialogue. ​

The U.S. administration has been actively pursuing direct talks with Iran to address nuclear proliferation concerns. President Donald Trump sent a letter to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on March 12, 2025, proposing negotiations. 

However, in early April, the United States expressed openness to Iran's proposal for indirect nuclear talks. White House officials are considering engaging in discussions facilitated by intermediaries, such as Oman, to address concerns over Iran's nuclear program. However, the U.S. has also increased its military presence in the Middle East as a precautionary measure, deploying assets like aircraft carriers and bombers. 

By Khagan Isayev