There Is No Serious Basis for Negotiations with the United States

However, Araghchi’s remarks—both in the joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and later in his interview with CNN Türk—indicated that Iran has rejected Turkey’s mediation proposal for talks with the United States.
Last week, Turkey’s state‑run Hürriyet newspaper revealed that President Erdoğan had proposed a trilateral summit on Iran to U.S. President Donald Trump during a phone call on January 27.
According to the report, Erdoğan suggested organizing a meeting involving the United States, Iran, and Turkey, likely via videoconference. Hürriyet wrote that Trump responded positively to the idea.
With Iran rejecting the proposal, speculation has grown about a possible U.S. military action against Iran—something Araghchi said Iran is prepared for.
3100 Fatalities, Most of Them Security Forces
In another part of the interview, Araghchi addressed recent unrest in Iran, stating that the official death toll stands at approximately 3,100 and that claims of higher numbers “do not reflect reality.” He added that most of the victims were members of the security forces.
Araghchi said that during his visit to Ankara, he discussed regional issues and diplomatic solutions with President Erdoğan and Foreign Minister Fidan.
He praised Turkey’s “constructive stance” toward Iran, especially during the recent 12‑day conflict between Iran and Israel, and emphasized the strong ties between the two nations.
No Serious Basis for Negotiations with the U.S.
Regarding possible talks with Washington, Araghchi reiterated that “there is currently no serious basis for negotiations.”
He stressed that meaningful negotiations require the removal of threats and pressure, as well as agreement on the content, format, and rules of engagement. Without these, he said, no progress can be made.
Araghchi noted that the United States often attempts to contact Iran through third countries, and while Iran is open to “fair and balanced diplomacy,” negotiations cannot be conducted through dictates. Mutual respect and equal conditions, he said, are essential for any fair agreement.
“Any Attack Will Be Met with a Strong Response”
Araghchi said that the attacks in June created significant insecurity for Iran and that if the United States truly seeks diplomacy, it must address this issue. He emphasized Iran’s defensive capabilities and warned that any potential attack would be met with a “strong and decisive response.”
He added that the June attack had failed and that a similar attempt would lead to the same outcome: “If an attack occurs, we will respond with a crushing, harsh, and very powerful reaction.”
Diplomacy Remains the Priority
Despite rising tensions, Araghchi reiterated that Iran’s priority is diplomacy and expressed hope that “reason and dialogue will prevail.”
“We Need No One”
Commenting on regional security developments, Araghchi said Iran is fully capable of defending itself: “We have the capacity to defend ourselves; we need no one.”
He said Iran’s defensive systems will continue to be strengthened but declined to provide details. He did not confirm whether Iran receives military support from Russia or China, saying only that Iran has “various options” and that all scenarios are under review. He added that there is full internal consensus on how to respond to any potential attack.
Prepared for All Scenarios
Regarding the presence of U.S. naval destroyers and increased military activity in the region, Araghchi said intelligence reports are being closely monitored and preparations are underway for all possibilities.
He noted that Israeli elections or political dynamics are not determining factors:
“We are prepared for any scenario.”
EU Decision Escalates Tensions
Araghchi strongly criticized the European Union’s decision to designate the IRGC as a “terrorist organization,” calling it a “major strategic mistake.” He said the IRGC has played a crucial role in fighting ISIS and other terrorist groups, and that Europe’s stance will only escalate regional tensions.
Most Victims Were Security Forces
Referring to previous unrest in Iran, Araghchi stressed the need to distinguish between peaceful economic protests and armed or violent actions. He reiterated that the official death toll is around 3,100 and that most of the victims were security personnel.
Israel Must Leave Syrian Territory
Responding to claims about “regime change,” Araghchi said such ideas are unrealistic and that Iran’s political system is deeply rooted and strong. On Syria, he reaffirmed Iran’s support for Syria’s territorial integrity and stability, and said Israel must withdraw from Syrian territory.
Araghchi concluded his interview with CNN Türk by emphasizing Iran’s readiness to confront any terrorist threats and noting that Turkey’s long‑standing proposal for regional cooperation was discussed in his meetings with Erdoğan and Fidan.