Iran’s foreign minister said Tuesday that talks with Washington on a final nuclear agreement cannot move forward while US threats continue, responding to President Trump’s weekend warning that America would act militarily if no deal is reached.
Abbas Araghchi posted on social media that continued threats would block any resumption of final-deal negotiations, pointing to a specific clause in the memorandum of understanding signed by the two countries last month. He argued that clause limits talks to matters outside the ceasefire terms, the Strait of Hormuz reopening, sanctions relief, and the release of frozen Iranian assets until threats stop. He also referenced recent public rallies in Iran honoring the supreme leader, framing them as proof that neither the public nor the military would bend under pressure.
His comments followed reports of attacks on two commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state broadcasters said a gas tanker was struck near Oman’s coast after failing to heed warnings, though they stopped short of claiming Iran was behind it.
The dispute highlights how unstable the diplomatic process remains more than three weeks after Washington and Tehran signed their interim agreement on June 17. That deal commits both sides to avoid threatening or attacking one another while indirect talks continue in Doha, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan. Negotiators from both countries have described the process as difficult, with unresolved disagreements over issues previously thought to be settled, including what happens to Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium and the future of its ballistic missile arsenal.
