Iran’s deputy foreign minister says diplomacy remains essential for resolving the crisis. Saeed Khatibzadeh made this statement on Monday in Ankara, Turkey. He spoke during an interview with Iranian state media. His comments come as a temporary ceasefire nears its expiration on April 22.
Khatibzadeh argued that the United States has no real option. Washington must abandon its excessive demands, he explained. The US must also fully respect Iranian rights. He added that war has already failed. The US may imagine war again, he warned. Nevertheless, diplomacy remains essential for any lasting solution.
The Iranian diplomat spoke about recent events. He said the U.S. and Israel launched an illegal war on February 28. That conflict included strikes on nuclear facilities. It also hit schools, hospitals, and civilian infrastructure. Iranian officials reported the assassination of a senior leader. Consequently, Tehran responded with defensive measures.
Khatibzadeh then described negotiations in Islamabad. Senior Iranian and American negotiators held 21 hours of talks on April 11. Those discussions ended without an agreement. Iran blamed Washington for shifting positions. The US also made what Tehran calls excessive demands. A Pakistan-brokered ceasefire took effect on April 8. That truce followed Iran’s 10-point proposal.
The deputy foreign minister rejected any commitments beyond international law. Iran will not accept blind obedience to foreign orders, he said. The country follows its own strategic framework instead. Therefore, Tehran will continue strong resistance. It fears no threat from any adversary. For Iran, defeat is simply not an option.
Khatibzadeh also addressed domestic unity. Enemies tried to create cognitive confusion among Iranians, he said. Some armed groups lined up against the country. However, the overwhelming majority of people stood firm. They resisted external pressure and disinformation campaigns. Thus, Iran remains internally strong despite external challenges.
The United States currently maintains a naval blockade. This blockade targets Iranian ports illegally. Washington also continues its excessive demands in negotiations. Consequently, Tehran declined to attend new talks on April 21. A U.S. delegation traveled to Islamabad that day. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman confirmed no Iranian participation. Tensions remain high as a result.
Analysts view this as a calculated diplomatic standoff. Iran signals openness to dialogue but on its own terms. The U.S. demands more concessions before any deal. Meanwhile, the two-week ceasefire expires soon. Neither side shows willingness to bend first. Therefore, the region faces renewed uncertainty.
Future steps depend on Washington’s next move. Iran waits for rationality from the U.S. side. Khatibzadeh said mutual understanding could happen quickly. That would require Washington to fully grasp Iran’s position. Messages have exchanged between both capitals recently. Other countries now know Tehran’s red lines clearly. Still, diplomacy remains essential for any breakthrough.
The deputy foreign minister ended with a message to Iranians. The nation will emerge victorious from this battle. An ancient history and strong will guarantee that outcome. Iran does not act in blind obedience to anyone. It moves along its own defined path instead. Consequently, the country will protect its high interests. It will fear no threat along the way. In the end, diplomacy remains essential but not at any price.