FM says Iran open to talks ensuring its legitimate rights and based on mutual respect

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the Islamic Republic is open to diplomacy to reduce tensions in the region, stressing that talk must be based on mutual respect and ensure Tehran’s legitimate rights.

He made the remarks during his meeting with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday.

Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s principled position in utilizing diplomacy to secure the interests of the Iranian nation and prevent the escalation of regional tensions.

“Iran has never shied away from negotiations and dialogue based on mutual respect and the acceptance of the Iranian people’s legitimate interests and concerns,” Araghchi stated.

He appreciated Ankara’s stance in support of Iran’s national sovereignty and its opposition to foreign interference in the Islamic Republic’s affairs, stressing the need to strengthen unity and cohesion among Muslim and regional countries to confront threats and destructive interventions in the regional countries’ affairs.

Referring to the recent foreign-backed riots in Iran, Araghchi stressed the importance of all countries in the region being vigilant against false and biased narratives from Western and Hebrew media regarding Iran’s internal affairs.

What began as peaceful protests late last month turned violent on January 8 and 9, as armed foreign-backed rioters rampaged through cities across the country, killing security forces and civilians and attacking public infrastructure. The US and Israel’s Mossad admitted their involvement on the ground.

Pezeshkian says Iran never welcomes war but will give ‘decisive’ response to aggression

The Iranian president says Tehran will never welcome war but will give an immediate and decisive response to any act of aggression.

For his part, Erdogan emphasized his belief that the Iranian nation and government will overcome the current challenges through national unity and cohesion.

Referring to Turkey’s efforts to reduce tensions, Erdogan stated that the region doesn’t withstand an increase in insecurity, stressing that diplomacy is the only solution to Iran’s nuclear issue.

Araghchi’s visit to Turkey comes amid escalated rhetoric by US President Donald Trump, who recently threatened fresh military aggression against Iran. Washington has just deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying strike group to West Asia near Iran.

Trump recently said “another beautiful armada” of warships was heading toward Iran. He later said the deployment was meant to pressure Tehran into negotiations, warning that failure to reach a deal would trigger a military strike “far worse” than the US attack on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025.

Iran has repeatedly rejected threats and coercion, insisting diplomacy cannot succeed under pressure or intimidation. It has warned that any military attack by the US or its allies will be met with a swift and decisive response.

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