Abbas Araghchi Says US ‘Begged’ Iran for Negotiations
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has claimed that the United States went from demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender” to seeking negotiations within 20 days. He made the remarks during a televised news conference while discussing the course of the conflict and diplomatic exchanges with Washington.
Araghchi Says US Sought Negotiations
Araghchi recalled US President Donald Trump publicly demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender” during the early stages of the war.
According to the Iranian foreign minister, Washington initially expected Tehran to accept its demands without conditions but later changed its approach as the conflict continued.
Araghchi claimed that within 20 days, the United States was seeking negotiations with Iran, presenting the shift as evidence that Tehran had resisted pressure from Washington.
Iran Rejects Unconditional Surrender Demand
The Iranian foreign minister used Trump’s earlier remarks to emphasise Tehran’s position that it would not accept terms imposed under military pressure.
Iran has repeatedly maintained that any diplomatic settlement must recognise its sovereignty and security interests. Tehran has also insisted that negotiations cannot take place under threats or demands for surrender.
Araghchi’s comments appeared aimed at portraying Iran as having maintained its position despite sustained military and diplomatic pressure.
US-Iran Negotiations Remain in Focus
The remarks come as diplomatic efforts continue around the conflict, with intermediaries attempting to establish conditions for negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Both sides have publicly presented differing accounts of who initiated efforts to restart talks, reflecting the wider diplomatic battle surrounding the conflict.
Araghchi maintained that Iran had not been forced into negotiations and argued that Washington ultimately changed its position after initially demanding surrender.
