Iran's foreign minister said Tehran is open to diplomacy to solve disputes but not "threats and pressure," state media reported on September 14 after the United States and three European countries imposed new sanctions, including measures against Iran Air. Abbas Araqchi's comments came a day after the EU's foreign policy chief said the bloc is considering similar sanctions in reaction to reports Tehran supplied Russia with ballistic missiles in its war against Ukraine. Araqchi said Iran continues "on its own path with strength, although we have always been open to talks to resolve disputes" but dialogue should be "based on mutual respect, not on threats and pressure," according to state news agency IRNA. Araqchi on September 11 denied Tehran had delivered any ballistic missiles to Russia, adding sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States Germany, Britain, and France would not solve any problems between them.
Iran Open To Talks But Rejects Pressure Of Sanctions, Foreign Minister Says
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi (file photo)