Full Breakdown
Iran's Stance Amid Ongoing Conflict with the U.S. and Israel
3/16/2026, 6:25:08 PM
Iran's Position on Ceasefire and Negotiations
In a recent interview on CBS's "Face the Nation," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that Iran has neither requested a ceasefire nor sought negotiations with the United States amid the ongoing conflict. He emphasized, "We are ready to defend ourselves as long as it takes," characterizing the war as an "illegal" action initiated by President Donald Trump. Araghchi dismissed the notion that the conflict represents a "war of survival" for Iran, stating that the country remains "stable and strong enough."
Military Actions and Regional Tensions
Araghchi defended Iran's military actions, which include drone and missile strikes targeting American military installations in neighboring countries. He claimed that these actions are a response to U.S. aggression, stating, "We are only targeting American assets, American installations, American military bases." He also accused the United Arab Emirates of allowing U.S. forces to launch attacks from its territory, which he deemed a violation of sovereignty.
The Iranian Foreign Minister acknowledged that while Iran has not formally closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit point for global oil, some vessels have avoided the route due to security concerns stemming from the conflict. He indicated that Iran is open to discussions with countries seeking safe passage for their vessels, although he did not specify which nations had approached Iran for negotiations.
Nuclear Material and Future Negotiations
Regarding Iran's nuclear program, Araghchi revealed that approximately 440 kilograms of enriched uranium are currently buried under rubble following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. He noted that while there is a possibility of retrieving this material, Iran has no immediate plans to do so. He reiterated that any future negotiations with the U.S. would depend on the evolving situation, stating, "Everything depends on the future."
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of Iran's military actions, including officials from the UAE and other Gulf nations, have condemned the strikes on civilian areas, asserting that Iran's actions have endangered regional stability. The UAE's official response emphasized its right to self-defense and called for reason and logic in addressing the conflict.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to claims that Iran is seeking a deal to end the war, Araghchi firmly stated, "We don't see any reason why we should talk with Americans." He highlighted the lack of positive outcomes from previous negotiations, particularly those that occurred before the U.S. initiated military actions against Iran.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No, we never asked for a ceasefire, and we have never asked even for negotiation. We are ready to defend ourselves as long as it takes,” — Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister
- “This is a war of choice by President Trump and the United States, and we are going to continue our self defense.” — Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister
- “We are only targeting American assets, American installations, American military bases.” — Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister
What's Next
As the conflict continues, the potential for future negotiations remains uncertain. Iran's military cooperation with Russia and China may influence the dynamics of the ongoing war, while diplomatic efforts from European nations like France and Italy to secure safe passage for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz could shape future interactions between Iran and the international community.
