Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday that Tehran remains open to constructive negotiations if other parties approach talks on an equal and respectful basis, rejecting what he described as “dictation, ordering, and bullying” from Western powers.

Speaking at a meeting with local officials in Tabriz, the capital of East Azarbaijan Province, Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s commitment to diplomacy has always been rooted in mutual respect and shared interests.

“We have never had any problem with negotiation, but negotiation is different from dictation and coercion,” Araghchi said, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). “Whenever the parties to the talks are ready to negotiate on an equal footing, aiming to reach an agreement based on mutual respect and free from threats and intimidation, the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready too.”

He underscored that “the flag of negotiation and diplomacy in Iran has never been lowered,” reiterating that genuine dialogue is only possible when conducted free of external pressure or threats.

The foreign minister’s comments come as Iran faces mounting Western sanctions over its peaceful nuclear energy program. The United States continues to insist that Iran should halt uranium enrichment, while Tehran asserts that it has a legitimate right to pursue nuclear development for civilian purposes under international law.

Araghchi said the government of President Masoud Pezeshkian has tasked the Foreign Ministry with removing barriers to economic growth, particularly through efforts to lift or bypass sanctions. He noted that extending Iran’s economic diplomacy to the provincial level is a key element of this strategy, empowering local administrations to engage more directly with international partners.

Tehran’s diplomatic position has hardened since Israel, backed by the United States, launched a military assault on Iran in June this year, including direct U.S. strikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites. The attacks marked a dramatic escalation in regional tensions and effectively froze any ongoing diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Washington.

Araghchi made clear that under such conditions, meaningful talks are not possible. “As long as threats and pressure continue, holding any talks would be meaningless,” he said.

Nevertheless, he added that Iran remains committed to dialogue rooted in fairness and sovereignty. “Whenever the other parties are ready for fair and respectful dialogue,” he said, “Iran is also prepared to take steps toward constructive negotiations.”

Observers note that Araghchi’s remarks signal Iran’s readiness to re-engage diplomatically if Western powers abandon coercive policies and adopt a framework of equality and respect—principles Tehran has long insisted upon as the foundation for any sustainable agreement. (ILKHA)