Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged Washington to reject the option of using force against Tehran, according to an opinion piece he contributed to the Washington Post ahead of talks between the countries, Report informs.
"Iran is ready to engage in earnest and with a view to seal a deal," the minister wrote about the indirect talks the countries plan to hold in Oman on April 12.
Araghchi explained Iran’s demand that any talks be indirect.
"We face a significant wall of mistrust and harbor serious doubts about the sincerity of intentions, made worse by US insistence on resuming the ‘maximum pressure’ policy prior to any diplomatic interaction," he wrote.
Araghchi further stated that Tehran is willing to clarify the peaceful intent of its nuclear program and take the necessary measures to allay any possible concern.
"For its part, the United States can show that it is serious about diplomacy by showing that it will stick to any deal it makes. If we are shown respect, we will reciprocate it," he wrote.
"Military buildups send the exact opposite signal. Mark my words: Iran prefers diplomacy, but it knows how to defend itself," the minister continued. "The ball is now in America’s court."
