Iranian Minister Araghchi: Trump's promise has turned into 'Israel First'

In an article published in the UK-based Financial Times, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi shared his assessments regarding the indirect negotiations between Iran and the US and the impact of Israeli attacks on the process. Araghchi stated that in just five rounds of negotiations over 9 weeks with US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, they had achieved more than what was accomplished in four years under the administration of former US President Joe Biden.

Araghchi noted, "We were on the verge of a historic agreement. We held open and detailed discussions, including on the future of our uranium enrichment program, to address US concerns that Iran might use its peaceful nuclear program for other purposes in the future. Various win-win solution proposals offered by both the Iranian and US sides, as well as by Oman, were on the table."

"IRAN WAS OPEN TO MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL COOPERATION"

Emphasizing that not only nuclear issues but also the lifting of sanctions and broad areas of economic cooperation were on the agenda, Araghchi said, "Iran was open to mutually beneficial cooperation that would both revitalize its economy and contribute to areas such as the nuclear energy sector, which US President Donald Trump wants to revive."

"ISRAEL ATTACKED"

Stating that the exchange of messages had accelerated before the Israeli attack and that everything was progressing positively, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi said, "However, just 48 hours before the decisive sixth round of negotiations, Israel launched an unprovoked attack. Protected nuclear facilities, homes, hospitals, energy infrastructure, and even prisons were bombed. Assassinations were carried out against academics and their families. This was a betrayal of diplomacy. While the dialogue between Iran and the US was gaining momentum, this attack showed that Israel is on the side of conflict, not a solution."

"HAD TO RELY ON TRUMP"

Stating that Israel portrayed its attacks as aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, Araghchi reminded that Iran is a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and that its program is conducted under UN supervision, adding, "Like every honorable nation, Iran resisted with determination when attacked. In the end, Israel, which started the war, had to rely on Trump to end the conflict."

"IRAN IS NOW TWICE AS CAUTIOUS"

Iranian Minister Araghchi said, "Iran, having been deceived once, is now twice as cautious. Our determination to act responsibly to prevent a regional war should never be seen as a weakness. We will certainly repel any possible attack on our people. When that day comes, we will reveal our true capacity, which will dispel illusions about Iran's power."

"WE WANTED PEACE, WE WERE MET WITH WAR"

Reminding that Iran signed a nuclear deal with the US in 2015 but that Washington unilaterally broke this agreement 3 years later, Abbas Araghchi stated in his article, "We approved new negotiations in good faith, but in return, we were met with the attack of two nuclear-armed armies."

Expressing that Iran is still committed to diplomacy but harbors serious doubts about trusting a new process, Araghchi called out, "To be clear, Israel has sabotaged the diplomatic process between Iran and the US. Moreover, the US's willingness to violate international law and the NPT with its own attacks was a critical step that determined the course of the process. If the parties want to resolve this issue peacefully, the US must demonstrate a sincere will for a fair agreement."

Warning the US not to forget that the steps it has taken in recent weeks have fundamentally changed the situation, Araghchi said, "Negotiations conducted in the shadow of war are inherently unstable. Furthermore, a dialogue maintained under threat can never be sincere. If diplomacy is to succeed, it must be built on the basis of mutual respect and be resilient against the constant sabotage of third parties who fear a solution."

"TRUMP'S 'AMERICA FIRST' PROMISE HAS TURNED INTO 'ISRAEL FIRST'"

Addressing the American public, Araghchi said, "Your country is being dragged into a completely avoidable and unjust war under the influence of a regime that does not share its interests. This aggression has made our scientists and their achievements more valuable than ever."

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi said, "Trump's 'America First' promise is turning into 'Israel First' in practice. Yet the path to peace lies in the US accepting this fact: Dialogue based on respect is a more sustainable path than reckless use of force."

Araghchi concluded his article with the words, "The decision is now in the hands of the US. Will the US finally choose diplomacy, or will it continue to remain stuck in someone else's war?"

News Source: İHA