Iranian officials have reiterated that Tehran is committed to pursuing diplomacy to end what it describes as the US-Israeli “war of aggression,” while stressing that the country remains fully prepared to defend its security and national interests.
According to the Tasnim News Agency, the Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi made the remarks on Monday during a meeting in Tehran with Pakistan’s Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who is visiting Iran for consultations with senior officials.
Araqchi said Iran is serious about diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict but warned that Tehran would “spare no effort” to strengthen its defensive preparedness. He described what he called “contradictory and excessive demands” by the United States as a major obstacle to progress in negotiations.
Referring to past experiences, Araqchi cited what he characterized as Washington’s breach of commitments and “betrayal of diplomacy,” saying Iran’s decision to enter talks was based on a responsible approach despite “deep mistrust” toward the US government.
“Iran is serious about diplomacy, but it will not neglect any measure to enhance its readiness to defend the country’s security and national interests,” he said.
Araqchi also called on the international community to hold the US and Israel accountable for what he described as military aggression and crimes against humanity, including an attack that he said killed 170 students and teachers in the southern Iranian city of Minab on February 28.
The meeting between Araqchi and Naqvi also focused on expanding bilateral cooperation between Iran and Pakistan in security and economic fields, as well as broader regional developments. Araqchi expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation.
For his part, Naqvi emphasized Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening comprehensive relations with Tehran. He expressed hope that Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement could help promote regional peace and stability.
Separately, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian underscored that Tehran’s participation in negotiations does not signal weakness.
“Negotiations do not mean surrender,” Pezeshkian wrote Monday night on his X account. He said Iran enters talks while safeguarding the nation’s rights and would not retreat from what he described as the legal rights of the Iranian people.
“We will continue to serve the people and protect Iran’s interests and dignity with logic and with all strength, to the last breath,” the president stated.
Meanwhile, a source close to Iran’s negotiating team said fundamental differences remain between Tehran and Washington despite a new US-proposed draft text.
According to the source, the remaining gaps stem from what Iran sees as excessive American demands and a lack of realism. The source said Iran insists on the transparent and definitive return of its frozen assets and is seeking compensation for damages resulting from recent military actions.
While the US has proposed the establishment of a Development and Reconstruction Fund, the source said the proposal falls short of Iran’s expectations in both scope and amount.
The source also rejected US efforts to link discussions about ending the conflict to Iran’s nuclear program, describing such demands as political excuses. “Iran will not agree to end the war in return for nuclear commitments,” the source said, reiterating that Tehran denies seeking nuclear weapons.