Tehran: Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has rejected talks with the United States as long as bullying and dictates persist, saying diplomacy imposed through military threats cannot be effective or useful. Araghchi made the remarks on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting on Wednesday in response to reporters' questions about the possibility of negotiations between Iran and the United States.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Araghchi stated that neither US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff had contacted him in recent days, nor had there been any request for negotiations from either side. Responding to a question about the US military buildup in the region alongside calls for talks, Araghchi mentioned that while threats and diplomacy have often gone hand in hand in international affairs, the United States must abandon threats, exaggerations, and what he described as irrational demands if it genuinely seeks negotiations.

The top diplomat emphasized that any talks must take place on an equal footing, based on mutual respect and mutual benefit, adding that it is not diplomacy if one side attempts to use force to achieve its objectives. Araghchi also referred to his recent discussions with regional counterparts regarding US military threats against Iran, indicating he remains in contact with most neighboring countries, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which have announced they will not allow the use of their airspace for possible attacks on Iran.

He further added that there is widespread concern across the region that any military threat would cause instability throughout West Asia, particularly given the nature of the US presence there.