‘We Still Need More Time’: Iranian Foreign Minister Dismisses Trump’s Claim of Imminent Negotiations

Latest Developments

• Too Soon for Iran to Restart Talks: Iran is not ready to resume negotiations with the United States despite President Donald Trump’s statement that he expects discussions to begin this week. “I don’t think negotiations will restart as quickly as that,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said. “In order for us to decide to reengage, we will have to first ensure that America will not revert back to targeting us in a military attack during the negotiations, and I think with all these considerations, we still need more time.”
• ‘They Are Always So Angry’: Trump, who has been targeted for assassination in a fatwa, or religious edict, issued by Iran’s top cleric, suspended the possible removal of some sanctions on Iran after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared victory over Israel and claimed that Tehran had “slapped” the United States “in the face.” In his first televised speech since the war, Khamenei also threatened that “the enemy — the aggressor — will definitely pay a heavy price” for future strikes on Iran. “They are always so angry, hostile, and unhappy, and look at what it has gotten them – A burned out, blown up Country, with no future, a decimated Military, a horrible Economy, and DEATH all around them,” Trump responded in a post on Truth Social.
• EU Urges Negotiations: EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas urged Iran to immediately restart negotiations over its nuclear program in a phone call with Araghchi after he had condemned the “destructive approach” taken by “some European countries” and International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi toward Iran. Kallas also called on Iran to lower tensions by reconsidering withdrawing from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. Likewise, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has offered Rome as a venue for talks to reopen dialogue between Iran and the United States.

FDD Expert Response

“The regime in Tehran is weak and at an impasse. Its best hope for survival is to buy time — exploiting isolationist currents in parts of Washington — in order to regain its strength. Today, there is a unique opportunity to establish a stable, pro-American order in the Middle East, reduce Washington’s direct military footprint in the region, and consequently pivot to Asia from a position of strength. But achieving that requires finishing the job in Tehran and bringing an end to the Islamic Republic.” — Saeed Ghasseminejad, Senior Iran and Financial Economics Advisor

“This is no moment for de-escalation, not when unprecedented leverage has been built against the regime. For Tehran, direct negotiations serve as a tactic to manipulate Washington’s calculations and stall for time, especially in the wake of the heavy losses it endured. Meanwhile, the regime’s public messaging leaves little doubt about its intent to assassinate Trump.” — Janatan Sayeh, Research Analyst

FDD Background and Analysis

“‘A Matter of Months’: IAEA Chief Issues Iran Uranium Enrichment Warning,” FDD Flash Brief

“Iranian Grand Ayatollah Issues Fatwa Calling for President Trump’s Murder,” FDD Flash Brief

“Iranian Foreign Minister Concedes Nuclear Facilities ‘Seriously Damaged’ by Israeli, U.S. Strikes,” FDD Flash Brief

“‘As Soon as Possible’: UN Nuclear Chief Calls For Renewed Inspections as Iran Suspends Cooperation,” FDD Flash Brief