ISTANBUL, Jan 30 (GeokHub) — Iran is willing to resume negotiations with the United States, provided the talks are conducted on what it calls a fair and equal basis and do not include its defence or missile capabilities, Iran’s top diplomat said on Friday amid heightened regional tensions.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, speaking in Istanbul after meetings with Turkish officials, said Tehran had no objection to dialogue in principle but stressed that negotiations could not take place under pressure or military threats.
“Iran has no problem with negotiations,” Araqchi said. “But negotiations cannot occur under the shadow of threats. A fair and equitable approach is essential.”
His comments came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump said he intended to speak with Iranian leaders, even as Washington deployed an additional warship to the Middle East and U.S. defence officials said the military was prepared to act if ordered.
Missile Capabilities Off the Table
Araqchi made clear that Iran’s missile and defence programmes would not be part of any discussions, rejecting a key U.S. demand linked to the possible resumption of talks.
“Iran’s defensive and missile capabilities will never be subject to negotiation,” he said, adding that Tehran would continue to strengthen its military capacity as needed to protect the country.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated in recent weeks, driven by unrest inside Iran and warnings from the U.S. administration, though large-scale protests have since subsided.
Regional Diplomacy Intensifies
Concerned about the risk of military conflict, regional powers including Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have stepped up diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.
Araqchi said Iran was prepared for either negotiations or confrontation, while also remaining open to dialogue with neighbouring countries to promote regional stability.
Turkey, a NATO member that shares a border with Iran, has positioned itself as a potential intermediary. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed ongoing discussions with both Iranian and U.S. officials and said Ankara was ready to facilitate dialogue to prevent further escalation.
Earlier on Friday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Turkey was willing to help bridge differences between Tehran and Washington.
Fidan said renewed U.S.-Iran talks, particularly on nuclear issues, could eventually lead to the easing of sanctions on Iran, calling on both sides to return to the negotiating table and address disputes step by step.
