Araghchi: We welcome dialogue with Europeans

Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting, said: While we continue dialogue with the United States, we also welcome dialogue with Europeans.

According to the Foreign Minister, unfortunately, the Europeans themselves, through their policies, have become somewhat isolated in these negotiations. He added: We do not seek such a situation and have continued our negotiations. The next round of talks with Europe at the level of deputy foreign ministers will be held on Friday in Istanbul, Turkey.

Regarding his recent regional trips, the head of the diplomatic apparatus stated: My trips to Qatar and Saudi Arabia were in the context of Iran-U.S. negotiations. We regularly keep our friends in Russia, China, European countries, and especially regional countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, as well as other regional countries, informed about the negotiations, consulting and coordinating with them. We are very keen to create a regional consensus regarding these negotiations and a potential agreement, which would enhance security and foster a so-called regional understanding between Iran and regional countries without any foreign interference. We hope this will not lead to significant concerns or worries.

In response to recent remarks by Donald Trump, Araghchi said: I heard the U.S. President’s statements, and unfortunately, a deceptive viewpoint was presented. It was the U.S. that, through sanctions, pressures, and military and non-military threats over the past 40-plus years, has hindered the progress of the Iranian nation. What he mentioned about the desire of regional countries for a path of progress and prosperity is, in fact, the same path the Iranian people chose through the revolution to have a fully independent, democratic, free, and prosperous country.

Araghchi, stating that the U.S. and its arrogant and domineering policies imposed on the Iranian people are the cause of Iran’s economic problems, said: The U.S. has sought a dependent and obedient system, which contradicts the dignity of the Iranian people. It is not accurate that Trump applies maximum pressure during negotiations and then points to Iran’s economic issues.

Araghchi further asserted: The U.S. ignores the threats and all the crimes of Israel in the region and tries to portray Iran as the threat, which is sheer deception and a swapping of threats. This is pure deceit. Who is responsible for the killing of 60,000 people in Gaza? Who is behind the destruction of Gaza and attacks on the surrounding areas of Palestine, namely Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen? The extent of the Zionist regime’s occupation in Syria in recent months exceeds the entire area of Gaza. The Zionist regime continues its crimes daily and has placed a nation in Gaza under economic siege. All of this is ignored, and efforts are made to portray Iran as the threat in the region to overshadow the real threat, but this will not be effective.

The Foreign Minister also said: The Russian President’s visit is part of the long-term plans of the two countries. We are in consultation with the Russian side to arrange the schedule for this visit, so it takes place at the appropriate time.