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IRAN’S Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has dismissed the prospect of restarting negotiations with the United States, citing past “very bitter experiences” and recent military attacks that have escalated tensions in the region.
In an interview with PBS News on Monday, Araghchi was asked whether Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, might be open to renewed talks or a ceasefire.
He responded: “It’s too soon for him to make any comment. But I don’t think the question of talking with Americans or negotiation with Americans once again would be on the table because, you know, we have a very bitter experience of talking with Americans.”
He pointed to last June’s 12-day conflict when Israeli and US forces targeted Iranian nuclear facilities during ongoing talks between Tehran and Washington.
Referring to the latest round of US-Iran nuclear negotiations in Geneva under Omani mediation, Araghchi said: “But again, after three rounds of negotiation, and after the American team in the negotiation said itself that we made big progress, still, they decided to attack us.
“So, I don’t think talking with Americans anymore would be on our agenda.”
Regarding the selection of Mojtaba Khamenei, Araghchi described the appointment as a “continuity” of Iran’s defiance toward the US and Israel while also providing “some sort of stability at the same time.”
On disruptions to oil production and transportation, Araghchi denied Iranian responsibility. “This is not our fault.
“This is not our plan,” he told PBS News, arguing that delays are caused by “the attacks and aggression made by Israelis and Americans against us,” which have made the entire region insecure.
“This is why the tankers, the ships are scared to pass through the Strait of Hormuz,” he said, stressing that Iran has not closed the strait.
He also accused Israel and the United States of creating instability and insecurity, adding: “The consequences are huge for not only us, but for the whole region, and now for the international community.”
When asked whether Iran is intentionally restricting oil supply by targeting facilities in the region, he rejected the suggestion, insisting that Tehran’s actions are defensive.
“We are facing an act of aggression, which is absolutely illegal, and what we are doing is the act of self-defence, which is legal and legitimate,” he said.
Araghchi warned that if the US were to attack Iran, Tehran would respond by targeting American bases, installations and assets in the region, since direct retaliation on US soil is not possible.
“And as a result, the war would be spread into the whole region,” he said, stressing: “We are not responsible for that.”
The minister’s comments underscore Iran’s hardline stance following repeated military strikes and highlight ongoing tensions over regional security and energy supply in the Middle East. - March 10, 2026