Tehran 14 January 2026 #2

14 January 2026

Foreign Minister Araghchi claimed that “terrorist elements led from outside” Iran were responsible for shooting at security forces and civilians amid anti-government protests as part of an “Israeli plot” to “drag” the U.S. into intervening. Asked if Iran was open to direct talks with the U.S., he said: “Iran is still insisting on its peaceful nuclear program, including enrichment…. President Trum proved to be against diplomacy when he attacked us in June and when now he decided to cut any communication”. Araghchi said that Iran would expect sanctions relief in exchange for ensuring the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program but stipulated that its ballistic missile program was “not negotiable”.