Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Tuesday that Washington must abide by the memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries and stop issuing threats. He stressed that talks on a final agreement would not begin as long as the American side continues to use the language of ultimatums. In a post on the social media platform X, the diplomat noted that millions of Iranians had rallied together and that no threats would intimidate them.
Citing paragraph 13 of the document signed a month ago, Araqchi made clear that a condition for launching the negotiation process is to abandon bellicose rhetoric. “Honor your signature,” he told the White House. The statement came after US President Donald Trump threatened to “wrap up the mission” if an agreement was not reached, and even said he could destroy Iranian infrastructure within an hour.
In response, Tehran took a hard line. Iran’s Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Mohammad Baqer Zolghader, called Trump’s threats “illusory,” adding that Iranians do not understand the language of intimidation. “Address our people with respect; otherwise we will respond in another language,” he warned—signaling willingness for a symmetrical escalation in words.
At the same time, Iran’s foreign ministry criticized statements by the head of Germany’s Foreign Ministry regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. The ministry’s official spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, called them “shameful and distorting reality,” adding that Berlin bears responsibility for complicity in military aggression. The issue concerns mine clearance in the strait—Germany believes Iran should pay for the operation, although such sanctions have not been imposed yet.
The latest round of indirect consultations between the United States and Iran last week showed no visible progress. Nevertheless, the current 60-day ceasefire remains in effect, giving diplomacy another chance. While the sides continue trading sharp statements, the future of negotiations and the ceasefire regime remains uncertain—everything depends on who decides first to change the tone.
Notes
- Who is Abbas Araqchi and what is his role in Iranian diplomacy, especially in nuclear talks? — Abbas Araqchi is one of Iran’s most experienced diplomats, having served as deputy foreign minister. He was the chief negotiator for the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) and played a key role in shaping its terms. After the US withdrew from the deal, he continued to take part in talks aimed at lifting sanctions. His style is described as pragmatic yet firm in defending national interests. For foreign audiences, Araqchi is a symbol of continuity in Iranian diplomacy—able to engage with the West without yielding on key principles.
Full version: Araqchi: Final agreement talks will not begin if US threats continue