Tehran, February 7, 2026: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that talks with the United States could resume soon, while reiterating Tehran’s firm red lines and warning Washington against any military action.
Speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera, excerpts of which were shared on his official Telegram channel, Araghchi described Friday’s indirect negotiations in Muscat as “a good start” and noted that the meetings provided an opportunity to “shake hands with the American delegation.” He added, however, that building mutual trust would take time and that the upcoming rounds of talks would be crucial.
Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s missile programme was “never negotiable,” describing it as a core defence issue. He warned that any US attack on Iranian territory would prompt Tehran to target American bases in the region. “We will attack their bases in the region if our territory is targeted,” he said.
Regarding nuclear matters, Araghchi stressed that nuclear enrichment is Iran’s “inalienable right” and must continue. He expressed readiness to reach a “reassuring agreement” through negotiations, adding that the Iranian nuclear issue “will only be resolved through dialogue.”
The Muscat talks, led by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, were the first formal meetings since the collapse of US-Iran nuclear talks last year, following Israel’s bombing campaign against Iranian sites, which sparked a 12-day conflict.
Despite the cautious optimism expressed by Araghchi, the United States announced new measures following the Muscat meetings. President Trump described the talks as “very good” and pledged another round next week, but also signed an executive order imposing tariffs on countries continuing business with Iran and announced new sanctions targeting Iranian shipping entities and vessels, aimed at curbing oil exports.
Araghchi also criticized what he called a “doctrine of domination” in the region, referring to Israel’s expansion of its military capabilities while pressuring other states to disarm. He made these remarks on Saturday at the Al Jazeera Forum conference in Qatar, though he did not directly mention the Oman talks during the speech.
The Iranian Foreign Minister reiterated Tehran’s position that discussions should remain focused on the nuclear issue, rejecting US and Israeli attempts to broaden the scope to include the ballistic missile programme.
With tensions in the region heightened following a major US military buildup and Iran’s crackdown on protests since late December, Araghchi’s remarks underscore Tehran’s determination to defend its territory while signaling willingness to engage in diplomacy.
