Iran Says It Has Its ‘Fingers on the Trigger’ Over US Threats
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks at a press conference in Istanbul on Friday. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)
Iran’s government says it is open to dialogue with Washington, but not while President Trump is publicly warning of possible military action. Speaking in Istanbul on Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran will not engage in direct talks with the United States unless Trump withdraws what he described as threats to use force, according to the New York Times. Any negotiations, Araghchi said, must be “fair and equitable” and cannot begin under pressure.
The Trump administration has called on Iran to scale back its nuclear program, limit its ballistic missile development, and end support for allied armed groups in the region.
Araghchi was particularly firm on Iran’s missile capabilities. “Iran’s missiles and defense systems will never be the subject of any negotiations,” he said, adding that he has no plans to meet U.S. officials face to face. “Just as we are ready for negotiations, we are ready for warfare.” U.S. officials have indicated that Trump is considering military options, while Iran has warned it would retaliate against any attack, potentially targeting American bases or U.S. partners such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, or Israel. Earlier this week, Araghchi wrote on X that Iran’s armed forces were ready to respond immediately to any aggression, according to the Associated Press.
The possibility of a confrontation has raised concern across the Middle East, including among governments that often oppose Tehran, the Times reported. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE have urged Washington to proceed cautiously and have encouraged Iran to consider talks, according to an Arab official. Regional leaders are wary of instability spreading beyond Iran’s borders and triggering a broader conflict.
Turkey, which maintains relations with both Tehran and Washington, has positioned itself as a potential mediator. Standing alongside Araghchi, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Ankara opposes resolving disputes through force and supports diplomacy. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also spoke by phone with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, offering Turkey’s help to ease tensions, and is expected to meet with Araghchi.
The diplomatic standoff comes as Iran continues to face internal strain following widespread protests linked to its sanctions-hit economy. Iranian authorities say the unrest has left more than 3,000 people dead, though human rights groups believe the true number may be significantly higher.
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