Iran Holds Negotiation Cards Close, Refuses U.S. Summons Until Strikes Cease

According to Saed News, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, revealed on Tuesday that Tehran has received messages from Washington via intermediaries—and has responded in kind. In remarks to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, he stressed Iran’s “enduring and unwavering” respect for Qatari sovereignty before addressing the U.S. approach.

Araghchi made clear that, “as long as the aggressions persist,” Iran will not re-engage in talks with the United States. By anchoring any resumption of negotiations to an end in hostile acts—presumably including recent airstrikes on Iranian positions—Tehran places the burden of de-escalation firmly on Washington’s shoulders.

He went on to note a growing convergence between Arab and wider Islamic public opinion and that of Iran’s own populace, suggesting that shared perceptions of external interference have strengthened Tehran’s hand. Diplomats say this narrative serves a dual purpose: portraying Iran’s stance as principled rather than obstructive, while signalling to Gulf partners that Iran remains a steadfast interlocutor—albeit on its own terms.

Whether U.S. policymakers will temper their military posture to reopen diplomatic avenues, or choose to press on with pressure tactics, will shape the region’s trajectory in the weeks ahead. For now, Araghchi’s conditional refusal underscores the paradox of diplomacy in crisis: the most ardent calls for talks often come draped in implacable preconditions.