Iran's FM: No Plans to Meet U.S., 'Possibility of War Cannot Be Ruled Out'

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that there are no plans to meet with U.S. officials.

In an interview with Al Jazeera yesterday (October 31), Araghchi said he reviewed a letter recently sent by U.S. Vice President JD Vance to Iranian hardliners, evaluating that "attempts by the U.S. side to more broadly promote dialogue and understanding are positive."

However, he pointed out that "if the U.S. sent this letter with the intention of stoking discord, it would be adding yet another mistake to past errors."

He also drew a line, stating that he still has no plans to hold talks with U.S. officials and that "reports circulating in this regard are simply media speculation."

"At present, there is no need to meet with the U.S. side," Araghchi said. "Our conditions are clear, and mediators are continuing consultations regarding them."

He added that whether Iran will hold direct or indirect talks with the U.S. depends on whether Iran's demands are met.

Araghchi mentioned that his country's delegation is continuing discussions alongside Pakistani counterparts in Qatar to pursue talks with mediating nations.

He also reported that mediating countries have presented proposals concerning Iran's nuclear program.

Regarding the "seven-day plan" that Iran previously presented to the U.S. but was rejected, Araghchi stated, "Qatar proposed shortening the implementation period of our proposal to five days, and we have now agreed on a plan to reduce the implementation period to two days."

However, he emphasized, "Our conditions include the lifting of sanctions imposed since the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and the reduction of U.S. military forces in the region," adding, "We demand the restoration of oil sanctions waivers and the release of all frozen funds, including funds deposited in Qatar."

He further stated, "Reopening the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with our conditions will open the path to resuming negotiations with the U.S. on unresolved issues."

The "seven-day plan" is a proposal delivered by Iran on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly held in New York last month.

It outlines Iran's stance that, if certain conditions are met, hostile activities can be halted and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz can resume within seven days.

U.S. President Donald Trump is known to have rejected the proposal.

Expressing vigilance, Araghchi warned, "We do not rule out the possibility of a war breaking out and are prepared for all scenarios."

While acknowledging the economic pressure his country faces due to U.S. sanctions, Araghchi added, "We will never surrender. We will continue to stand firm and resist."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.