Araghchi: We will not negotiate with an aggressive enemy

Speaking at the National Conference on “Azerbaijan, Diplomacy, and Iran’s Territorial Integrity — in Commemoration of Mirza Moheb-Ali Khan Nazem al-Molk Marandi Yekanlou” in Tabriz on Wednesday, Abbas Araghchi firmly stated that “the Islamic Republic of Iran will not hold talks with an enemy that betrays and violates agreements, leaving the framework of negotiation to pursue aggression and hostility.”

He added: “In today’s world, where rivalries are increasingly complex and crises multilayered, Iran’s diplomacy continues to rest upon its historical heritage — resistance in principles, and flexibility in methods. If in the past Iranian diplomats held talks in Rasht, Ardabil, Tabriz, Tbilisi, Baku, Yerevan, Moscow, and Istanbul, today that same spirit must be revived through dignified, precise, and rational provincial diplomacy.”

Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s experience has shown that no crisis is absolute and no deadlock permanent.

“The window of diplomacy for the Islamic Republic of Iran remains open — even in the stormiest days.”

He continued: “What matters is trust in the power of dialogue and persistence in the logic of engagement. At a time when many mistake diplomacy for bargaining, Iran has shown that negotiation is not a sign of weakness but a continuation of rational sovereignty. Those who seek solutions through dialogue, in fact, pursue the path of peace and dignity.”

He noted that upholding the banner of dignified diplomacy based on wisdom and expediency has been a consistent strategy across all Iranian administrations — a directive, he said, laid out by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic and reaffirmed for the 14th administration under President Pezeshkian.

“Recent events have shown that diplomacy can persist even under the fire of war,” Araghchi said, stressing that the Foreign Ministry’s inherent duty is to defend Iran’s territorial integrity, independence, national sovereignty, and the interests of its people.

However, he cautioned that dialogue differs from coercion and dictation: “The Islamic Republic of Iran will not negotiate with a treacherous and aggressive enemy that abandons dialogue and turns to threats and assaults.”

Araghchi concluded by saying that the continuation of meaningful negotiations requires mutual commitment to diplomacy on an equal footing, and that success in talks depends on adherence to the principle of reciprocal benefit for both parties.