Iran’s Stance on Diplomacy and Defense Amid Nuclear Talks

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Sunday that while the country values diplomacy, it is equally prepared to defend itself if necessary. He emphasized, perhaps a bit pointedly, that Iran’s strength is its resilience against outside pressures.

“We are both diplomats and warriors. This doesn’t imply we are looking for conflict… but we are poised to defend ourselves so that aggression is not an option,” he commented, as reported by Iran’s state broadcaster.

Araghchi made these remarks during the National Conference on Foreign Policy held in Tehran, just two days after nuclear discussions between Iran and the United States took place in Oman.

These discussions marked the first in-person conversations since the U.S. targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities back in June.

According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s post on social media, the talks were characterized as “intensive and lengthy,” providing both sides with a platform to outline their positions and concerns.

A government report suggested this could be a promising start, although the path forward will depend on consultations in both Tehran and Washington, with Oman continuing to engage as a mediator.

Araghchi mentioned that Iran perceives its nuclear program as a legitimate right, and they are looking to have this acknowledged through diplomatic efforts. He stated, “I believe that Iran’s strength lies in its capacity to resist domination and pressure from others.”

“They might fear our atomic capabilities, but we are not pursuing an actual atomic bomb. What we possess is the power to assert ourselves against major powers,” the diplomat added, noting that Iran’s real power lies in its ability to say no to oppression.

This statement served as a reminder of Iran’s ongoing commitment to its positions in the face of external pressures, while also balancing the need for diplomatic negotiations.