Tehran: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has criticized the United States, describing its recent offer of talks as coercive rather than genuinely diplomatic. Araghchi’s remarks came in response to statements made by Morgan Ortagus, US President Donald Trump’s Deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East, during a UN Security Council meeting focused on Iran.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Araghchi took to social media to express his disapproval, stating, “A new definition of diplomacy by the US: We are ready for a meaningful negotiation but forget about your internationally recognized rights.” He further criticized the US approach as dictatorial rather than negotiatory, challenging the sincerity of the US claims of diplomacy.

Araghchi emphasized Iran’s experience in negotiations, noting past instances where the US had escalated tensions. “We did what we always do: resist and confront those who assault us, and make sure they regret it,” he commented, referring to Iran’s stance against US actions. He urged the US to adopt “real and honest diplomacy instead of attempting to deceive the world.”

Ortagus had previously mentioned at the UN meeting that President Trump was willing to engage in formal negotiations with Iran, contingent on Tehran’s complete abandonment of uranium enrichment. This stance was met with opposition from Iranian officials, including Ambassador Amir-Saeid Iravani, who argued that the US’s zero-enrichment policy contradicts Iran’s rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).