Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has issued a fresh warning to the United States, sharply criticising President Donald Trump’s approach to diplomacy and asserting that Iran will not bow to external pressure amid ongoing tensions in the region. Araghchi accused the US of consistently rejecting peaceful negotiations in favour of “reckless military adventures,” stating that diplomatic openings are repeatedly undermined whenever progress appears possible. His remarks come as Iran reviews a US-backed proposal that reportedly includes a temporary pause on nuclear enrichment activities, sanctions relief measures, and discussions related to strategic waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranian foreign minister questioned Washington’s intentions, suggesting that its strategy may either be a deliberate pressure tactic or the result of the US administration being misled into escalating conflict. He reiterated that Iran remains open to diplomacy but only under conditions of mutual respect and without coercion.“Whatever the causes, the outcome is the same: Iranians never bow to pressure and diplomacy is always the victim,” Araghchi said, reinforcing Tehran’s long-standing position that it will not negotiate under duress. His statement reflects continued hardening rhetoric despite ongoing international efforts to stabilise regional tensions.
In a highly unusual claim, Araghchi also challenged US assessments of Iran’s military capabilities. While President Trump recently suggested that Iran’s military strength had been significantly degraded following US and Israeli strikes, Araghchi rejected those assertions outright. He claimed that internal assessments contradict US intelligence estimates and argued that Iran’s missile and defence capabilities have not only recovered but expanded. Responding to reports that US intelligence placed Iran’s mobile launcher capacity at around 75% of pre-conflict levels, he said: “The CIA is wrong. The correct figure is 120%.”
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He further escalated his rhetoric by stating that Iran’s military readiness to defend its population stands at “1,000%,” a remark widely viewed as symbolic rather than literal, intended to signal deterrence strength. The exchange highlights continuing friction between Tehran and Washington, even as indirect diplomatic channels remain under discussion. Analysts say the conflicting narratives over military strength and diplomatic willingness underscore the fragile and volatile nature of the current geopolitical standoff in the region.
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