Iran declares it will not negotiate with the United States
Tehran's foreign minister stated categorically that Iran will not enter talks with Washington while military operations continue on Iranian soil.
Middle East — March 2, 2026
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Monday that Tehran will not enter negotiations with the United States while American aircraft are 'bombing our cities and killing our people.'
The declaration, delivered at an emergency press conference in Tehran, came in direct response to suggestions from Washington that a diplomatic channel remained open even as strikes continued.
'There is nothing to discuss while aggression is underway. Iran will defend itself and respond at the time and place of our choosing,' Araghchi said, flanked by senior military commanders.
The statement effectively closes the door on any near-term diplomatic resolution. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the US 'remains open to a diplomatic solution' but insisted Iran must first agree to halt uranium enrichment.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called the situation 'catastrophically dangerous' and urged the UN Security Council to pass a binding ceasefire resolution. China echoed those calls.
Oil markets responded sharply to the news, with Brent crude rising $4.20 a barrel to trade at $112 following Araghchi's statement.
