Iran Stands Firm: Araqchi Rejects Public Debate Format at Key Nuclear Policy Conference
In a recent development concerning Iran’s diplomatic stance, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has emphasized that the country will not engage in public negotiations. This statement follows the cancellation of his keynote speech at a significant nuclear policy conference in Washington, which was altered to a debate format by the organizers.
On Tuesday, Araqchi took to his X account to share the speech he had prepared for the Carnegie International Nuclear Policy Conference. He clearly stated, “As I underscore in my prepared remarks, Iran has no intention to negotiate in public.”
In his remarks, he highlighted several key points:
- Special Interest Groups: Araqchi pointed out that certain groups are attempting to manipulate diplomatic discussions by undermining negotiators and pushing the U.S. administration towards extreme demands.
- Journalistic Engagement: He acknowledged his readiness to face challenging questions from journalists and the public, but emphasized that transforming his keynote into a Q&A session would amount to a public negotiation, which he firmly opposes.
- Regret Over Format Change: Araqchi expressed disappointment that the event organizers did not understand the sensitivity of the situation.
Additionally, on Monday, Iran’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations confirmed the cancellation of Araqchi’s speech, attributing it to the organizers’ decision to switch the format to a debate. The full text of his intended address was subsequently shared on X by Iran’s UN mission.
This series of events underscores Iran’s clear stance on its diplomatic engagements and the importance of maintaining structured dialogues without public confrontation.
