BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 29. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran hopes negotiations with the United States could be “more serious” this time, following the submission of Iran’s latest peace proposal.
Speaking at a press conference, Araghchi said previous negotiations conducted through Pakistani and Qatari intermediaries had taken a long time. However, he indicated that the latest talks appeared to be more serious after Iran submitted its new proposal.
The continuation of negotiations despite the US president’s rejection of the proposal suggests that Tehran remains prepared to continue diplomatic engagement with Washington, including discussions over possible concessions.
Araghchi said there was hope that the negotiations could be more substantive this time and take less time, while Iran waits for a final response from the United States.
At the same time, Iranian officials continue to use forceful rhetoric. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Araghchi have all stressed that Iran will not be intimidated by the presence of US troops and is prepared to defend itself militarily.
