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3. Iran FM Says Missile Program 'Never Negotiable' in Talks with U.S.

Abbas Araghchi said Saturday that Iran’s missile program is “never negotiable” in talks with the United States, while confirming that Tehran and Washington have agreed to hold another round of negotiations “soon,” though no date has yet been set.

“Missiles are never negotiable because they are a defense issue,” Araghchi said in an interview with Al Jazeera, excerpts of which were published in Farsi on his official Telegram channel.

The Iranian foreign minister said both sides support continuing discussions but stressed that Iran’s nuclear enrichment program remains a red line.

“Enrichment is our inalienable right and must continue,” Araghchi said. “Even with bombing, they could not destroy our capabilities. We are ready to reach a reassuring agreement on enrichment.”

He also warned that Iran would retaliate against American military positions in the region if its territory were attacked.

“There is no possibility of attacking American soil if Washington attacks us, but we will attack their bases in the region,” he said.

Araghchi added that although the negotiations were conducted indirectly, a brief personal interaction took place between the two delegations.

“Despite the talks being indirect, an opportunity arose to shake hands with the American delegation,” he said.

The remarks come amid heightened regional tensions and renewed diplomatic efforts between longtime adversaries, following recent indirect talks mediated by Oman over Iran’s nuclear program.

AFP