Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that the United States had sought negotiations with Tehran weeks after President Donald Trump initially demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” during the conflict.
Speaking at a televised news conference, Araghchi recalled Trump’s public demand at the beginning of the war before claiming Washington’s position subsequently changed.
“The US President wrote two words at the beginning of the war: ‘Unconditional surrender’,” Araghchi said, according to Al Jazeera. “That was what they wanted from us and, 20 days later, the same enemy was begging for negotiations.”
Araghchi also portrayed Iran’s resistance during the conflict as evidence of the country’s military resilience, describing Iran as a “tough and invincible power.”
He claimed foreign ministers and officials from several countries had expressed surprise at Iran’s ability to withstand the confrontation with the United States, which he said had been supported by Israel, Western countries and other states.
The remarks came after Araghchi held a telephone conversation with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Monday.
During the call, Araghchi blamed instability in the Strait of Hormuz on military action by the United States and Israel against Iran, according to Iran’s official IRNA news agency.
His comments come amid continuing tensions over efforts to revive negotiations between Washington and Tehran and resolve disputes surrounding the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.