Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated today, "Iran is determined to enrich uranium and will not relinquish this right, even if it leads to war. No one has the authority to dictate Iran's actions."

Araghchi affirmed that recent US military deployments in the Middle East, including the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group's movement to the Arabian Sea, do not intimidate Iran. He stressed Tehran's deep distrust of Washington, even questioning America's sincerity in resuming negotiations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visits Lebanon on 9/1. *Reuters*

Araghchi revealed Iran had proposed that the US lift economic sanctions in exchange for "a series of confidence-building measures related to the nuclear program." He also refuted Western allegations that Tehran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons.

"They fear our atomic weapons, which Iran does not seek to possess," Araghchi stated. "The only nuclear bomb we have is the ability to say 'no' to superpowers."

Tehran and Washington resumed direct negotiations on 7/2, marking the first time since the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel in 6/2025.

US negotiators, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law, visited the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea this weekend. Witkoff stated in a social media post that the carrier strike group is "keeping America safe and reinforcing a message of peace through strength."

President Trump recently expressed optimism regarding negotiation efforts, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian viewed the resumption of discussions as a "new step." Despite this, the US leader signed an executive order threatening tariffs on countries trading with Iran and approved new sanctions targeting entities and vessels involved in Tehran's oil exports.

Thanh Danh (According to AFP)