AiBotIran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has emphasized the need for caution in pursuing diplomatic efforts with the United States, citing skepticism about Washington’s intentions. In a series of statements on Thursday, Araghchi warned that Iran should not place its trust in the Americans, particularly given the country’s turbulent history with the US.
“We absolutely cannot trust the Americans,” Araghchi said in an interview. “That is why everything must be specified and clarified before any agreement.” He attributed this caution to Iran’s painful experience of being misled by the US, particularly in the wake of the 1953 coup that toppled Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh.
Araghchi’s warning appears to be a response to ongoing efforts by the US to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a nuclear deal that was abandoned by the Trump administration in 2018. Iran has been engaged in indirect talks with the US in Vienna, mediated by European powers, in a bid to revive the agreement.
Despite these efforts, however, there remain significant concerns about the US’s commitment to diplomacy. Some experts believe that the US is seeking to revive the JCPOA as a means of buying time to build a coalition to counter Iran’s influence in the region. Others point to the Biden administration’s continued support for Israel, Iran’s arch-nemesis, as a significant obstacle to trust-building.
Araghchi’s caution has been echoed by some Iranian lawmakers, who have expressed skepticism about the prospects for a US-led deal. “We should not place our trust in the US, given their history of deception and hostility,” said Ali Mottahari, a member of Iran’s parliament.
Not everyone is optimistic, however. Some analysts believe that the Biden administration’s willingness to engage in direct talks with Iran marks a significant shift in US policy towards the country. “The US is seeking continued talks with Iran, and we have received messages indicating a willingness to engage,” a foreign ministry official said.
In another development, Araghchi emphasized that Iran would not be dragged into war by the US. “There are those who want to drag Washington into war once again, and I hope wisdom will prevail and that we will pursue diplomacy to negotiate a solution,” he said.
The current stalemate in US-Iran relations underscores the complexity of the negotiations. Iran’s position remains firm on several key issues, including the removal of economic sanctions and the lifting of the country’s designation as a “state sponsor of terrorism.” These demands are still under discussion with US officials, with no clear breakthrough in sight.
As diplomatic efforts continue, Iran’s foreign minister will be watching closely to gauge the sincerity of the US’s intentions. Given the country’s history with the US, it remains to be seen whether Washington can convince Tehran of its commitment to a lasting peace agreement.