Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi ruled out direct nuclear talks with the U.S. while Trump maintains a hard-line policy.“We won’t negotiate under pressure, sanctions, or threats,” Araghchi said in Tehran alongside Russian FM Sergei Lavrov.
He added that talks are impossible under “maximum pressure.”Trump has vowed to tighten economic pressure and curb Iran’s oil exports, reviving his first-term strategy that led to the 2018 U.S. withdrawal from a key nuclear deal.Iran’s near weapons-grade uranium stockpile has grown, with Araghchi saying cooperation will be limited to “friends” China and Russia.Since returning to office, Trump has pushed for a new nuclear deal, but Supreme Leader Khamenei rejected talks, saying they won’t solve Iran’s problems.
Lavrov emphasized diplomacy, stating it must be used effectively without threats or force.Iran and the U.S. have had no direct ties since 1979, with past nuclear talks mediated. Araghchi didn’t clarify if indirect talks remain possible.Lavrov’s Tehran visit comes as Trump strengthens ties with Putin over Ukraine, drawing criticism from Europe and Zelenskiy.
The impact of U.S.-Russia ties on Putin’s growing alliance with Iran—marked by drone sales and a Caspian trade corridor—remains uncertain.Araghchi said he and Lavrov discussed trade, transport, and held in-depth talks on Syria and Gaza. He added that both “strongly condemned” Trump’s plan to forcibly displace Palestinians.
