“Iran’s Ambassador to UK Says Talks with U.S. Possible—If Hostilities Cease”

According to Saed News, Seyed Ali Mousavi, Iran’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, stated that diplomatic engagement with the United States could resume—provided all aggressive behavior against Iran comes to an end. In remarks delivered to IRNA, Mousavi blamed both Israel and the United States for sabotaging ongoing negotiations, arguing that Iran was in the midst of meaningful talks before the situation deteriorated.

“We were in the middle of diplomatic dialogue, but Israel deliberately destroyed that channel,” Mousavi said. “The United States followed by launching direct attacks. Let it be clear—our top priority remains diplomacy, but we will not return to the table unless all hostile actions are fully halted.”

Mousavi reaffirmed Iran’s position as one of self-defense in the current conflict. “It was Israel who initiated aggression, followed by the United States. Iran responded in a proportionate and targeted manner, in full accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter.”

Addressing Iran’s retaliatory missile strike on U.S. military installations in Qatar, Mousavi was careful to underscore Iran’s respect for the sovereignty of the Qatari government. “We notified Qatari officials in advance. Our intention was never to harm the state or people of Qatar. Our president and foreign minister personally assured Doha that our response was directed solely at the aggressor.”

On the topic of ceasefire mediation, Mousavi was unequivocal in rejecting the notion of American credit for brokering peace. “We will not thank a government that initiated military action against us. That would be absurd,” he said. “We have legal avenues under international law to address disagreements peacefully. Iran has always engaged with the IAEA and other bodies to clarify any ambiguities. The root issue here is not misunderstanding—it's unlawful aggression.”

When asked about Iran’s willingness to resume talks, Mousavi reiterated a familiar message: Iran is open to diplomacy, but not under threat. “If hostile actions cease, Iran is prepared to reengage, based on our legitimate rights and international obligations. This is a firm and final position of the Islamic Republic.”

Mousavi’s remarks add further weight to Iran’s narrative that it acted within legal bounds and with calculated restraint. The statement reflects Tehran’s broader effort to reassert its international posture as a rational actor committed to dialogue—while simultaneously defending its military actions as necessary and justified.