Araghchi calls US outreach positive but rejects near-term talks

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described a recent United States effort to open dialogue with Tehran as a positive step, though he said there are currently no plans for direct meetings between the two countries.

Araghchi made the remarks in an interview with Al Jazeera on Saturday. He stated that Iranian officials had reviewed a letter sent by Vice President JD Vance during high-level meetings. The foreign minister said Tehran has set specific conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a move he believes will pave the way for renewed negotiations with Washington.

An Iranian delegation traveled to Doha on Friday, one day after Qatari mediators visited Tehran. The timing suggests an attempt to negotiate the revival of the US-Iran ceasefire. Araghchi confirmed that one of his aides is present in Qatar to continue consultations on the matter.

The foreign minister warned that if Washington’s goal in sending the letter is to stir up discord, it would be another mistake. He dismissed media reports about upcoming meetings as mere speculation. Araghchi said, “We see no need to meet with the Americans at this stage. Our conditions are clear, and mediators are continuing their consultations regarding them.”

Tehran’s conditions for reopening the strait include lifting sanctions imposed after the Islamabad memorandum, reducing US military forces in the region, and restoring oil waivers. Iran also demands the release of all frozen funds, including $6 billion held in Qatar. Additionally, Iran seeks recognition of specific shipping routes through the strait that it discussed with Oman, and the closure of other routes.

Araghchi noted that talks with Qatari mediators have shortened the implementation period for Iran’s proposal. The Qatari side proposed a five-day timeline, but the current proposal reduces that to two days. Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan are continuing to consult on these terms.

Rouzbeh Parsi, an Iran analyst at Lund University, told Al Jazeera that any progress in the talks likely focuses on the sequencing of initial steps needed to establish basic trust. He said further bolder steps are not possible without that foundation. Resul Serdar Atas, reporting from Tehran, observed that Iran’s position shows no remarkable flexibility, with Tehran insisting on the same demands as negotiations continue.

Despite the diplomatic activity, Araghchi said Iran does not rule out the possibility of an attack. He stated, “We are prepared for all scenarios.” Major-General Ali Abdollahi, Iran’s armed forces chief of staff, issued a statement on Saturday saying Iran would respond to any attack with immense force without geographical limits. Abdollahi said the country is acting on orders from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and has a new stockpile of enemy targets and assets on its agenda.