Tehran, July 11, 2025 – The Europe Today: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has emphasized that Tehran remains open to resuming negotiations with the United States, provided that the talks are grounded in mutual respect, dignity, and accompanied by concrete guarantees of non-aggression.
In an interview with Le Monde, the French daily, Araqchi stated, “Diplomatic contacts and exchanges have always been ongoing. Currently, a diplomatic hotline is being established through friendly countries or intermediaries.” He underscored that Iran has consistently engaged in diplomacy guided by logic and national dignity.
However, Araqchi made it clear that future negotiations hinge on a tangible shift in U.S. conduct. “The United States must first change its behavior and provide guarantees that it will refrain from military strikes against Iran during any negotiation process,” he said, stressing that diplomacy is “a two-way street” and recalling that it was Washington that unilaterally withdrew from talks and initiated military action.
He further revealed that recent U.S. attacks had targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, and Tehran reserves the right to seek compensation after assessing the damage. “It is our right to request compensation for the consequences of these actions,” he said, rejecting the notion that such strikes could dismantle Iran’s peaceful nuclear ambitions, which serve critical sectors including medicine, agriculture, and energy.
Araqchi pointed out that Iran’s nuclear program operates under the strict supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and adheres to international law. “The IAEA’s reports have consistently confirmed that no diversion toward weapons activities has been detected in Iran’s peaceful nuclear program,” he noted.
He warned that attacks on IAEA-monitored facilities undermine the global non-proliferation regime and represent “an assault on the foundations of international law.” Araqchi also cautioned against further sanctions or military threats, stating that such actions would jeopardize any prospect for renewed diplomatic engagement.
Regarding the European parties to the 2015 nuclear deal, Araqchi rejected their recent suggestions to activate the sanctions mechanism, calling it “tantamount to a military attack” and asserting that it would render Europe irrelevant in future nuclear discussions.
The minister also condemned the June 13 Israeli airstrike that killed several senior Iranian military and nuclear experts, calling it an unprovoked act of aggression. He further criticized the United States for officially entering what he described as Israel’s “war of aggression” on June 22 by striking three Iranian nuclear facilities, in violation of the United Nations Charter and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Araqchi concluded by referencing Israel’s subsequent declaration on June 24 of a unilateral halt to hostilities—an announcement made by U.S. President Donald Trump—claiming it reflected Tel Aviv’s isolation on the international stage.
