War rhetoric from Tehran, top Iranian government officials have established high barriers for entering negotiations with the United States, while the Revolutionary Guards commander declared his country's readiness for conflict.
Abbas Araghchi, Iran's foreign minister, stated during a diplomatic gathering honoring the Nowruz holiday that his country would return to discussions with the United States only if all American sanctions against Iran were lifted.
Araghchi commented on communications with President Donald Trump, saying, "Iran's response to President Trump's letter was crafted according to the document's content and tone, while preserving the option to resume diplomatic engagement."
"In principle, direct negotiations with a party that continuously threatens violence, violates the UN Charter, and whose various officials issue contradictory statements would be meaningless," Araghchi continued. "Nevertheless, we remain devoted to finding a diplomatic solution and are prepared to pursue the negotiation pathway."
Hussein Salami, commander of the Revolutionary Guards, addressed potential conflict with the United States, "We won't initiate war, but we maintain unrestricted power to confront any aggression." Salami referenced the Israeli strike on the Iranian embassy in Damascus and the elimination of senior Revolutionary Guards officials, "This aggression signaled the start of a global confrontation."
