iran Doubles Down on distrust Following Escalated Tensions with the U.S.
A recent international conference in Tehran, “International Law under Attack: Aggression and Defence,” highlighted a deepening skepticism within the Iranian government regarding the sincerity of U.S.diplomatic efforts and Washington’s understanding of regional dynamics. Senior Iranian diplomats used the forum to voice concerns about the American governance’s intentions, both for the region and for its own interests.
This hardened stance follows over five months of heightened tensions stemming from Iran’s nuclear program. Earlier this year, indirect talks between Tehran and Washington aimed at reviving the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) – which the Trump administration unilaterally withdrew from in 2018 – were underway. However, these negotiations were abruptly overshadowed by events beginning on June 13th, when strikes targeted Iranian nuclear, civilian, and military infrastructure, reportedly with U.S. support for Israel.
In the subsequent twelve days, President Trump publicly called for regime change in Iran, urged the evacuation of Tehran’s ten million residents, and authorized direct U.S.strikes against Iranian nuclear sites. Further complicating matters, in October, the European signatories to the JCPOA (Germany, the UK, and France) activated a mechanism to reinstate UN sanctions against Iran, a move Iranian officials allege was instigated by Washington. These nations are now reportedly preparing a resolution for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) demanding access to Iran’s damaged nuclear facilities, despite Tehran suspending cooperation with the IAEA following the U.S.-Israeli strikes and the agency’s failure to condemn the attacks.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking after a panel discussion at the tehran conference, sharply criticized the U.S.approach. He stated that Washington is now requesting new negotiations despite,in his view,having “bombed the previous negotiating table.” he emphasized that the attacks on June 13th, which he attributed to the direction of the U.S. President, directly undermined the ongoing diplomatic process, with a sixth round of talks scheduled just two days later.
President Trump himself acknowledged a significant role in the June escalation, stating earlier this month he was “pretty much in charge of” the events.
Araghchi further asserted that Iran will not yield to demands the U.S. failed to achieve through force.Reports indicate the Trump administration is seeking the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program and limitations on its missile range to prevent reaching Israel – demands Iranian officials have dismissed as unrealistic.
“In the jungle that the U.S. has created, there is no law, and to defend oneself, one must be strong,” Araghchi declared.
Kamal Kharrazi, a foreign policy advisor to Iran’s supreme Leader, offered a more direct assessment of the U.S. administration, characterizing its leaders as “showmen” lacking “experience in diplomacy.” He affirmed Iran’s commitment to resisting pressure and maintaining its independence, drawing parallels to the contry’s resilience during the eight-year Iran-Iraq War and the recent twelve-day escalation. Kharrazi called for “real diplomacy” from Washington, though he did not define the term.
Echoing this sentiment, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, previously stated that Iran will not participate in negotiations that attempt to impose predetermined outcomes or include unacceptable preconditions.