Washington 2 February 2026 #1

2 February 2026

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that “Iran has always been ready for diplomacy from an equal footing… anyone who speaks to the Iranian nation with respect will be met with respect, while anyone who resorts to threats and force will be met likewise”. Relatedly, a member of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) maintained that “Iranian officials have no intention of transferring enriched nuclear materials to any country, and negotiations do not revolve around such matters at all”. Meanwhile, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth asserted: “Iran will not have nuclear weapons capability. And so they can either negotiate on that front, or we have other options… President Trump’s committed to peace, committed to a deal if Iran’s serious about making a deal, and we’ll see. It’s up to Iran”.