Iran FM says restoring US diplomacy 'not impossible'

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that restoring diplomatic channels with the United States remains achievable, contingent on Washington abandoning its pressure tactics against the Islamic Republic. The statement came following high-level talks with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Tehran.

Araghchi wrote on the social media platform X that he held "creative discussions" with the Qatari official regarding prospects for regional de-escalation. "Putting diplomacy back on track isn't impossible. It hinges on U.S. understanding of one simple fact: pressure doesn't work," he said.

Conditions for engagement

The Iranian foreign minister outlined specific prerequisites for any rapprochement with Washington. "The U.S. should build trust, speak respectfully, acknowledge our rights, and uphold commitments," Araghchi added, emphasizing that mutual respect must underpin any future negotiations.

Sheikh Mohammed's visit marked the first by a Qatari foreign minister to Tehran since US and Israeli strikes began in late February, according to diplomatic sources. The delegation held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, and Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei regarding a proposed temporary joint navigational corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and mine-clearing efforts.