New Delhi [India], January 31 (ANI): Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Saturday held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, during which he reiterated that Iran has never sought to develop nuclear weapons and remains committed to regional peace and stability.
In a post on X, Araghchi said he was pleased to engage with Turkish leaders on bilateral ties and regional issues of shared concern. He stated that Iran has never pursued nuclear weapons and is prepared to embrace a fair and equitable nuclear deal that meets the legitimate interests of its people, including assurances of no nuclear weapons and the lifting of sanctions. He also expressed gratitude to Turkiye for extending its good offices in support of peace and stability in the region, adding that Iran stands ready to work with regional partners to protect peace and shield the region from unlawful aggression.
Araghchi also said Iran is open to fair and equitable talks with the United States despite rising tensions, as US President Donald Trump has refused to rule out military action against Tehran, according to Al Jazeera.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to Turkiye on Friday, Araghchi said Iran has no objection to negotiations, but stressed that talks cannot take place under the threat of force. He added that Iran’s defensive and missile capabilities would never be subject to negotiations.
“The security of the Iranian people is no one else’s business, and we will preserve and expand our defensive capabilities to whatever extent is necessary to defend the country,” Al Jazeera quoted him as saying.
Tensions between Tehran and Washington have escalated in recent weeks following repeated threats by Trump to attack Iran over a crackdown on anti-government protests and his stated aim of dismantling Iran’s nuclear programme.
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