Iran's Foreign Minister: No Talks With America, Missiles Will Keep Flying For as Long as Necessary

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared on March 10, 2026, that negotiations with the United States are “no longer on the agenda", signalling a hardening of Tehran's position amid the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against the Islamic Republic. The statement reflects Iran's defiance following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in early strikes and the subsequent appointment of his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the new Supreme Leader.

Speaking to state media, Araghchi emphasized that diplomatic talks with Washington have been rendered irrelevant by the current conflict, which began with US and Israeli airstrikes on February 28, 2026. He accused the US of pursuing regime-change objectives rather than genuine negotiation, rendering any dialogue futile at this stage. The foreign minister's remarks come as indirect channels—previously used through intermediaries such as Oman and Qatar—appear to have collapsed amid escalating hostilities.

Araghchi further stated that Iran would continue missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US military bases across West Asia “for as long as necessary” to defend its sovereignty and retaliate against aggression. He described the operations as a legitimate response to what Iran calls an “illegal war of aggression” launched by the US and Israel, vowing sustained pressure until the attackers cease operations and withdraw from regional theatres.

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The comments follow a week of intense exchanges, including Iranian missile barrages intercepted over Israel, Lebanon, and Gulf states, as well as US-led strikes on Iranian military and nuclear-related sites. Iran's Revolutionary Guards have repeatedly claimed successful hits on US bases in Iraq, Syria, and the Gulf, though Washington has downplayed damage and emphasized defensive successes.

Araghchi's rejection of talks aligns with internal messaging from the new leadership under Mojtaba Khamenei, who has projected resolve and continuity with his father's hardline stance. State media has framed the conflict as an existential struggle, rallying domestic support while warning that any escalation would meet a proportionate response.

The foreign minister's statement effectively closes the door on short-term de-escalation through diplomacy, raising concerns among regional actors and global powers about the prospects for a ceasefire. European Union and UN officials have called for restraint, while Gulf states hosting US forces have heightened alerts following recent drone and missile threats. As the war enters its second week, Iran's commitment to prolonged military action underscores the deepening impasse and the risk of broader regional involvement.

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