Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described US Vice President JD Vance’s letter to Tehran as a “positive step” toward resuming talks between the two countries, in comments to Al Jazeera on Friday.
Tehran received the letter on Wednesday, according to The Wall Street Journal, but has yet to formally respond.
“The American side’s attempt to open the door to dialogue and understanding more broadly is a positive step,” Araghchi told the Qatar-based outlet, noting that Tehran “held high-level meetings” regarding the letter.
He added that Iran has no plans to meet with US officials, calling reports of such a meeting “merely media speculation.”
“We see no need to meet with the Americans at present,” he said. “Our conditions are clear, and mediators are continuing their consultations regarding them.”
He told Al Jazeera that the US must meet Iran’s conditions for direct or indirect talks to be held.
Araghchi further warned that “it would be yet another mistake” for the US if its “goal in sending this (Vance’s) letter is to stir up discord.”
“We do not rule out any possibility regarding the outbreak of war, and we are prepared for all scenarios,” he declared. “We have upgraded our weaponry, addressed our vulnerabilities, and tested new arms; our forces are at the highest level of readiness.”
Araghchi: Tehran reviewing nuclear proposal presented by mediators
On the nuclear issue, Araghchi said Tehran is in the “second phase” of reviewing proposals from mediators, according to Al Jazeera.
“My aide is currently in Qatar to continue consultations,” said Araghchi. “Qatari and Pakistani mediators are continuing consultations regarding our conditions.”
He said that Iran reached an arrangement through the mediators that would reduce the implementation of Tehran’s proposal to two days.
“Our conditions include lifting the sanctions imposed following the Islamabad memorandum and reducing US forces in the region,” Araghchi told Al Jazeera. “We demand the restoration of oil waivers and the release of all our frozen funds, including those held in Qatar.”
“Reopening the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with our conditions paves the way for the resumption of negotiations with Washington regarding outstanding issues,” he emphasized.
The Iranian foreign minister also said Tehran “will not surrender” to the US.
“We will continue to stand firm and resist, and we will overcome this difficult phase through our own capabilities,” he said.
Ariella Roitman and Asher Smith contributed to this report.
