JAKARTA, KONTAK BANTEN — Abbas Araghchi has delivered a strong warning to the United States, declaring that Iran has “zero trust” in Washington, rejecting claims of ongoing negotiations, and cautioning that any ground invasion would carry severe consequences.
In an interview with Al Jazeera on Wednesday (April 1, 2026), Araghchi dismissed suggestions from U.S. officials that diplomatic channels had evolved into formal negotiations.
“I received direct messages from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, as before, but this does not mean we are negotiating,” he said.
No Trust, No Negotiation
Araghchi’s remarks directly contradict statements from U.S. officials who have portrayed recent communications as a step toward diplomacy. Tehran, however, draws a clear distinction between contact and negotiation.
“We do not believe negotiations with the U.S. will yield any results. The level of trust is zero. We do not see honesty,” he stated.
He linked Iran’s skepticism to Washington’s past actions, particularly the U.S. withdrawal under Donald Trump from the 2015 nuclear agreement. For Tehran, that decision remains a defining example of what it sees as unreliable U.S. commitments.
Diplomatic Channels Collapse
Araghchi revealed that Iran had engaged in two separate diplomatic tracks with the U.S. over the past year. Both efforts, he said, ultimately collapsed due to what he described as American aggression.
He also confirmed that Iran has yet to respond to a reported 15-point proposal from Washington and has not submitted a counterproposal.
Warning Against Ground Invasion
Responding to speculation about a potential U.S. ground operation, Araghchi struck a defiant tone, suggesting Iran is prepared for such a scenario.
“We are waiting for them. I don’t think they would dare to do such a thing. There will be many forces waiting for them,” he said.
He emphasized that Iran considers itself highly capable of defending against ground warfare, signaling that any invasion would come at a significant cost.
Strait of Hormuz as Strategic Leverage
Araghchi also addressed tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route.
He stated that Iran has imposed restrictions on vessels linked to countries involved in hostilities against it, framing the move as a defensive measure.
“We cannot allow enemies to use our territorial waters for trade,” he said.
He noted that many international shipping operators are already avoiding the route due to security risks, rising insurance costs, and ongoing instability. However, he added that the strait could return to normal operations once the conflict ends.
شروط Iran for Ending Conflict
Araghchi outlined Iran’s conditions for halting its retaliatory actions, emphasizing that Tehran is not interested in temporary ceasefires.
Iran, he said, demands a complete end to the war, guarantees against future aggression, and compensation for damages inflicted on its population.
He also rejected the idea of third-party guarantees, arguing that even mechanisms backed by the United Nations Security Council have failed to prevent past conflicts.
Rejecting U.S. Pressure
Araghchi dismissed what he described as artificial deadlines imposed by Donald Trump, calling them ineffective tools of pressure.
“We do not accept deadlines. No one can impose deadlines on us,” he said.
He warned that threats and coercion would only escalate tensions further, urging Washington to fundamentally change its approach if it seeks meaningful dialogue.
Final Message: Respect or Consequences
Despite the strong rhetoric, Araghchi concluded with a note that Iran remains open to respectful and constructive relations with regional countries.
However, his overall message was clear: Tehran will not negotiate under pressure, does not trust Washington, and is prepared to respond forcefully to any escalation.
Amid ongoing conflict, Iran appears to be drawing a firm line—communication may remain open, but without any illusion of goodwill from its adversaries.
