Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says that Tehran is “ready to engage in earnest and with a view to seal a deal,” in upcoming nuclear talks but stressed they will be indirect due to a deep “wall of mistrust” with Washington. “The ball is now in America’s court,” Araghchi stressed.

His remarks, published in an op-ed in The Washington Post, come ahead of talks scheduled to begin on Saturday in Oman.

Newsweek has reached out to the State Department and Iran’s foreign ministry for comment.

Why It Matters

The statement highlights the challenges facing renewed diplomacy under President Donald Trump after he pulled out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal during his first term in 2018. Trump has recently pushed for a new agreement limiting Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

Iran’s refusal to engage in direct talks underscores the scale of the diplomatic rift. Tehran has accused the U.S. of bad faith, citing broken promises under the original deal. As tensions escalate and with Trump threatening military action, the outcome of the Oman talks could reshape the geopolitical balance in the Middle East and beyond.

What to Know

In an op-ed published in The Washington Post, Araghchi rejected Trump’s claim that direct talks would take place. He said indirect negotiations were not based on ideology but were a strategic response to repeated U.S. failures. Iran, he said, remains skeptical of American intentions after witnessing what he called Washington’s “unwillingness or inability” to fulfill its JCPOA commitments.

Araghchi emphasized the importance of mutual guarantees in any new deal. He warned that a continuation of the U.S. “maximum pressure” policy would hinder diplomatic progress.

Shortly after publication, Araghchi posted a link to the op-ed on his X account, writing: “Mark my words: Iran prefers diplomacy but it knows how to defend itself.”

Iran Defends Nuclear Program

Addressing long-standing allegations about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Araghchi reiterated that Tehran’s program is peaceful. He quoted language from the JCPOA deal, affirming Iran’s pledge never to pursue nuclear weapons, and cited U.S. intelligence assessments that support this claim.

He pointed to recent congressional testimony from intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard, who said the Iranian leadership has not authorized a return to nuclear weapons development since suspending the program in 2003.

Trump’s Threat

Trump has warned that “Iran is going to be in great danger” if no agreement is reached. Araghchi responded by cautioning that Tehran would not accept coercion or military threats. He said removing the threat of force is essential for talks to succeed. Araghchi maintained that Iran still prefers diplomacy, noting that it has already demonstrated a path forward if the U.S. is willing to pursue a genuine resolution.

What People Are Saying

Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, wrote: “We face a significant wall of mistrust and harbour serious doubts about the sincerity of intentions, made worse by U.S. insistence on resuming the ‘maximum pressure’ policy prior to any diplomatic interaction. The proud Iranian nation, whose strength my government relies on for real deterrence, will never accept coercion and imposition. The ball is now in America’s court. If it seeks a genuine diplomatic resolution, we have already shown the way.”

U.S. President Donald Trump said: “I think if the talks are not successful with Iran, Iran is going to be in great danger. If the talks are not successful, I actually think that will be a very bad day for Iran.”

What Happens Next

Talks between the U.S. and Iran will begin on Saturday in Oman. U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff will represent Washington in the negotiations.