Iran Rules Out Direct Talks with U.S. Amid Pressure Campaign, Open to Indirect Negotiations

Algiers, The Gulf Observer: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has firmly rejected the possibility of direct negotiations with the United States while Washington’s “maximum pressure” campaign remains in place, emphasizing that talks must occur under conditions of mutual respect and equality.

Speaking during a meeting with Algerian intellectuals and media representatives in Algiers on Tuesday, Araqchi said, “As long as maximum pressure and threats exist, there is no ground for fair negotiations, and we will not hold direct negotiations.”

While ruling out bilateral talks under current circumstances, the Iranian foreign minister noted that Tehran remains open to indirect diplomatic engagement. “We have announced that we can negotiate indirectly with the United States,” he said, signaling that diplomacy remains a viable channel.

Earlier on Tuesday, Araqchi announced via social media platform X that high-level indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States are scheduled to take place in Oman on Saturday. The talks are expected to focus on nuclear-related issues and broader regional security concerns.

Tensions between Tehran and Washington have sharply escalated in recent weeks. On March 7, U.S. President Donald Trump disclosed that he had sent a letter to Iranian authorities urging new nuclear negotiations. While Iran officially responded later that month, it rejected the notion of direct talks, citing what it described as Washington’s contradictory and confrontational behavior.

The situation further deteriorated following statements by President Trump, who issued a warning of military action if Iran refused to return to the negotiating table. On Monday, the U.S. president renewed his threat, saying that failure to engage in talks would place Iran “in great danger.”

During his address in Algiers, Araqchi reiterated Iran’s commitment to peace but underscored the country’s defensive readiness. “The Islamic Republic of Iran does not want war, but if necessary, it knows how to defend itself well. At least the Americans know very well how far the Islamic Republic of Iran’s defense power can reach,” he warned.

Araqchi also rejected allegations that Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons, calling such claims “baseless.” He affirmed, “We are confident that our nuclear program is peaceful and we are ready to assuage any concerns in this regard through diplomacy.”

The visit to Algeria is part of a broader diplomatic effort by Iran to strengthen international alliances and convey its position on nuclear diplomacy and regional security.