Iran Open to Talks but Rejects Pressure as US, EU Impose Sanctions, Reports Reuters

DUBAI (Reuters) – Iran’s foreign minister stated that Tehran is willing to engage in diplomacy to resolve conflicts but emphasized that this should not involve "threats and pressure," according to state media reports on Saturday. This announcement follows recent sanctions imposed by the U.S. and three European nations targeting Iran’s aviation sector.

Abbas Araqchi’s remarks came shortly after the European Union’s chief diplomat revealed that the bloc is contemplating new sanctions against Iran’s aviation industry in response to allegations that Tehran provided Russia with ballistic missiles during its conflict in Ukraine.

"Iran continues on its own path with strength, although we have always been open to discussions to resolve issues… but dialogue should be grounded in mutual respect, not threats and pressure," Araqchi stated, as reported by the official news agency IRNA.

On Wednesday, Araqchi reiterated that Iran had not supplied any ballistic missiles to Russia and argued that the sanctions imposed by the United States and the three European nations would not address the underlying problems between them.

The recent sanctions from the United States, Germany, Britain, and France were announced on Tuesday and include measures against Iran’s national airline, Iran Air.