Iran calls Vance letter a positive step but rejects immediate talks

Tension persists between Washington and Tehran despite recent diplomatic signals. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi characterized a letter from US Vice President JD Vance as a constructive move toward dialogue, even as his government declined to hold an immediate face-to-face meeting with American counterparts.

Tehran received the communication on Wednesday, according to The Wall Street Journal. Araghchi told Al Jazeera on Friday that the US attempt to open the door to understanding was a positive step. He noted that his ministry held high-level meetings to discuss the contents of the letter, though Iran has not yet issued a formal written response.

The foreign minister dismissed reports of an upcoming bilateral meeting as media speculation. He stated that Iran sees no need to meet with Americans at present and that its conditions for engagement remain clear. Mediators are currently consulting on those specific requirements.

Araghchi outlined several prerequisites for direct or indirect negotiations to proceed. These include lifting sanctions imposed after the Islamabad memorandum, reducing US military presence in the region, restoring oil waivers, and releasing frozen Iranian funds held in various locations, including Qatar.

He added that reopening the Strait of Hormuz under these specific conditions would facilitate the resumption of talks on outstanding issues. Regarding the nuclear program, Araghchi said Tehran is in the second phase of reviewing proposals from mediators. His aide is currently in Qatar to continue consultations with Qatari and Pakistani intermediaries.

The minister warned that the US would make another mistake if the letter was intended to stir up discord. He declared that Iran is prepared for all scenarios, including the outbreak of war. Araghchi stated that Iranian forces are at their highest level of readiness, with upgraded weaponry and new arms tested to address previous vulnerabilities.

He emphasized that Tehran will not surrender to the US. The government intends to stand firm and resist, overcoming the current difficult phase through its own capabilities while reviewing the two-day implementation arrangement reached through the mediators.