Iran Warns US Against War, Emphasizes Diplomacy as Talks Continue

In an interview with the BBC in Tehran, Majid Takht-Ravanchi stressed that the responsibility now rests with Washington to demonstrate genuine intent for a deal. “If they are sincere, I’m sure we will be on the road to an agreement,” he said, noting that recent indirect talks in Oman have moved in a “more or less positive direction,” with a second round scheduled in Geneva.

Takht-Ravanchi highlighted Iran’s willingness to compromise, citing Tehran’s offer to dilute its 60%-enriched uranium stockpile as a sign of good faith. However, he emphasized that discussions on the export of enriched uranium or halting the program entirely are premature. “The issue of zero enrichment is not on the table anymore,” he said.

The deputy foreign minister also reiterated Iran’s refusal to negotiate its ballistic missile program, framing it as a key component of the nation’s defense. “When we were attacked by Israelis and Americans, our missiles came to our rescue. How can we accept depriving ourselves of our defensive capabilities?” he asked.

Takht-Ravanchi criticized mixed signals from Washington, noting that while US officials express interest in negotiations publicly and in Oman, private messages often suggest otherwise. He also questioned the US military buildup in the region, warning that another conflict would be “traumatic” and devastating for all involved.

Iranian officials have stressed that US bases in the region would be considered legitimate targets if provoked, though past strikes have avoided American casualties. With over 40,000 US troops now deployed nearby, Takht-Ravanchi warned, “It would be a different game,” highlighting Tehran’s readiness to respond to existential threats.

The senior diplomat underscored regional efforts to prevent conflict, citing broad consensus among neighboring countries on the importance of diplomacy. “We are hopeful we can resolve this peacefully, although we can’t be 100% sure,” he said. “We will do our best, but the other side also has to prove they are sincere.”