Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is no longer considering negotiations with Washington. He added that previous talks with the United States left Iran with a “very bitter experience.”
“I don’t think talking with the Americans would be on our agenda anymore,” Araghchi said during an interview with PBS News.
The war began after the United States and Israel launched major strikes against Iran on February 28. The attacks killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and triggered a wider conflict that has spread across the Middle East. The strikes came just two days before Washington and Tehran were expected to hold another round of negotiations. Before the conflict, the two sides had already held three rounds of talks.
Omani mediators who helped organize those discussions had earlier said there was “significant progress” in the negotiations. Since the war began, Iran has responded with a wave of drone and missile attacks. These strikes have targeted Israel and U.S. interests across the Middle East.
The conflict has also disrupted global shipping routes, especially in the Strait of Hormuz. This narrow waterway is one of the world’s most important oil routes, carrying nearly 20 percent of global crude oil supplies.
Iranian forces have repeatedly targeted oil tankers passing through the strait since the fighting began, increasing fears of a major energy crisis.
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During the interview, Araghchi said Iran’s military actions are part of “self-defence.”
“We are prepared, we have been prepared to continue attacking them with our missiles as long as needed and as long as it takes,” he said. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to stop the conflict are quietly increasing.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said several countries have contacted Tehran to push for a ceasefire.
“China, Russia, and France, and even some countries in the region, are in contact with us,” he told state television.
“Some of them are willing to do something to stop this war or establish a ceasefire.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also said that France and its allies are planning a “defensive” mission aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the safe passage of oil shipments.
However, Iranian officials insist that the country did not start the conflict.
Gharibabadi said Iran “did not start the aggression and the war… we are defending ourselves.”
