Iran Rejects Future Talks With U.S., Citing “Bitter Experience” From Past Negotiations
HAMILTON: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has ruled out the possibility of renewed negotiations with the United States, describing previous diplomatic engagements as a “very bitter experience” for Tehran.
Speaking in an interview with PBS News on Monday, Araghchi said that further talks with Washington are unlikely to be considered following recent military confrontations between the two sides.
Responding to a question about whether Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei might be open to new negotiations or a ceasefire, Araghchi said it was still too early for the leader to make any official comment.
“But I don’t think the question of talking with Americans or negotiating with Americans once again would be on the table because we have a very bitter experience of talking with Americans,” he said.
Araghchi pointed to the 12-day conflict last June, when Israeli and U.S. forces allegedly targeted Iranian nuclear facilities while diplomatic talks were still ongoing between Tehran and Washington.
He also referred to the latest round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S., which concluded in Geneva in late February under the mediation of Oman. According to Araghchi, both sides had initially described the discussions as serious and constructive.
“After three rounds of negotiations, and even after the American team said there was significant progress, they still decided to attack us,” he said.
Because of this experience, Araghchi emphasized that further dialogue with Washington is no longer part of Tehran’s immediate diplomatic agenda.
The Iranian minister also described the leadership transition to Mojtaba Khamenei as a sign of political continuity in Iran’s stance toward the United States and Israel, while providing stability within the country.
Addressing concerns about disruptions to global oil supply, Araghchi denied that Iran was responsible for the situation. He said oil production and transportation in the region have been affected primarily by military attacks carried out by Israel and the United States.
“These attacks have made the whole region insecure,” he said, adding that many oil tankers are now hesitant to pass through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Araghchi stressed that Iran has not closed the key maritime route but warned that escalating tensions could have serious consequences for the region and the global economy.
When asked whether Iran’s strategy involved limiting oil supplies through attacks on energy facilities, the foreign minister rejected the claim and said Iran’s actions are purely defensive.
“We are facing an act of aggression, which is illegal, and what we are doing is an act of self-defense,” he said.
Araghchi further warned that if the United States launches direct attacks on Iran, Tehran could target American military bases and installations across the Middle East.
“If the U.S. attacks us, since we cannot reach American soil, we will have to strike their bases, facilities, and assets in the region,” he said.
He cautioned that such developments could expand the conflict across the entire region, stressing that Iran would not be responsible for the wider consequences of the escalation.