As tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, Iran has firmly stated that it will not engage in any form of dialogue with the United States unless Israeli military aggression comes to a halt.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the announcement on Friday, highlighting Tehran’s growing frustration over what it views as U.S. complicity in Israel's recent actions.
In an interview with Iran’s state-run news agency IRNA, Araghchi said, “The Americans want negotiations. They’ve sent several messages. But we’ve made it very clear—there can be no talks until the aggression ends.
The United States is a partner in these crimes, and therefore there is no room for discussions.” The remarks were also cited by the BBC.
The statement comes just hours before Araghchi is scheduled to meet Western diplomats in Geneva for the first time since hostilities broke out between Iran and Israel eight days ago. According to diplomatic sources, the Iranian foreign minister is expected to hold separate meetings with his counterparts from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The European Union’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is also expected to attend.
While no direct meeting with U.S. officials is scheduled, the diplomatic community hopes the Geneva summit may serve as a platform to eventually bring Iran back to the negotiating table, especially concerning its nuclear and missile programs.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barraud stated that the main goal is to “permanently restrain Iran from pursuing its nuclear and ballistic missile ambitions.”
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed similar sentiments in a post on X, calling for “immediate action to stop the dangerous escalation in the Middle East.” Lammy described the current situation as “deeply alarming and unsustainable.”
Earlier this week, Lammy met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Both leaders reaffirmed their stance that “Iran must never be allowed to develop or acquire nuclear weapons.”
Lammy also hinted at possible diplomatic progress, suggesting a solution could emerge within the next two weeks.
Meanwhile, the White House has indicated that President Donald Trump is expected to make a key decision on U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict within that same timeframe.White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt stated during a Thursday briefing, “The president is weighing all options and will make a decision within the next two weeks.”
President Trump himself added to the speculation, saying, “There may or may not be talks with Iran soon. I’ll decide what to do. Iran is in serious trouble—and they want to talk.”
US media reports earlier this week suggested that Trump had authorized preliminary plans for a possible strike on Iran, though no final order has been issued. The president later dismissed those reports, saying he has not made any definitive decision yet.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, global leaders remain focused on de-escalating the conflict, amid fears it could spiral into a wider regional war. All eyes are now on Geneva, where the outcome of today’s high-level meetings could shape the next phase of the crisis.
HKJ
