Iran’s top diplomat signaled defiance toward the United States this week, declaring that Tehran is prepared for the possibility of an American ground invasion while also ruling out negotiations with President Donald Trump.
In a video interview with NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas from Tehran on Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his government has little interest in returning to the negotiating table with Washington, citing what he described as past experiences with the United States.
“The fact is that we don’t have any positive experience of negotiating with the United States,” Araghchi told Llamas.
He pointed specifically to talks that occurred in the past year, claiming that negotiations were underway before military action took place.
“You know, especially with this administration. We negotiated twice last year and this year, and then in the middle of negotiations, they attacked us,” Araghchi said.
Because of that experience, the Iranian foreign minister argued that Tehran has no incentive to enter into additional talks with the Trump administration.
“So we see no reason why we should engage once again with those who have, who are not honest in negotiation, and they do not enter into negotiation in good faith,” he added.
Araghchi framed Iran’s position as one focused on resistance rather than victory in the traditional sense of warfare. According to him, the country’s goal is to withstand what he described as unlawful objectives pursued by its adversaries.
“There is no winner in this war,” he said during the interview.
“Our win is to be able to resist against, you know, the illegal goals, and this is what we have done so far.”
The Iranian diplomat also claimed that Tehran has already demonstrated its ability to withstand pressure from its opponents, including both the United States and Israel.
“They have failed to achieve their goals, and we have been able to resist against them, to stand against the most powerful army of the world, as they claim, together with Israelis, who are also claim to have the big army,” Araghchi said.
When asked directly whether Iranian leadership is worried about the possibility of a U.S. ground invasion, Araghchi dismissed the idea that Tehran is concerned.
“No, we are waiting for them,” he replied.
According to the foreign minister, Iran believes it would be capable of confronting American forces should such an invasion occur. He warned that any ground conflict would carry serious consequences.
“Because we are confident that we can confront them, and that would be a big disaster for them,” Araghchi said.
Araghchi also pointed to a previous conflict between Israel and Iran as evidence of his country’s willingness to continue fighting rather than seek a quick end to hostilities.
He referenced the 12-day war between Israel and Iran last June, arguing that Iran had successfully endured what he described as aggression during that conflict.
“We didn’t ask for a ceasefire even last time,” he said.
“In previous time, it was Israel who asked for a ceasefire.”
According to Araghchi, Israel ultimately sought an unconditional ceasefire after nearly two weeks of fighting.
“They asked for an unconditional ceasefire after 12 days that we resisted against their aggression,” he said.
The remarks from Iran’s foreign minister underscore the deep tensions that remain between Tehran and Washington, as Iranian leaders continue to reject negotiations while signaling readiness for further confrontation.
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