Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi: Iran Will Not Surrender Unconditionally to the United States

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed his country’s hard-line stance against American pressure, saying Iran would never meet Washington’s demands to surrender unconditionally and would continue to defend itself for as long as necessary. He made the remarks in an interview with NBC News on Sunday, 8 March, in response to President Donald Trump’s threat last Friday to not sign any agreement with Tehran unless there is an ‘unconditional surrender.’ ‘We never surrender. We will not surrender unconditionally, and we will keep fighting as long as necessary,’ Araghchi said. He emphasised that Iran’s current position is an act of absolute defence of sovereignty, stating that pressure would not shake the country’s core principles: ‘We continue to defend ourselves and defend our territory, our people, and our dignity. Our dignity is not for sale.’ Regarding diplomatic prospects, Araghchi added that Iran regards the current situation as too early to discuss ceasefire terms with Washington. ‘There must be a permanent end to the war. And until that is achieved, I think we need to continue fighting for our people and our security,’ he said. Iran denied claims of closing the Hormuz Strait and accused the US of violating international law after the sinking of the frigate Dena in the Indian Ocean, which killed 100 sailors. The third round of US-Iran nuclear negotiations in Geneva ended without an agreement. Iran rejected dismantling the Fordow and Natanz facilities amid threats from the US fleet. The United States and Iran resumed talks in Geneva with Oman mediating, amid large-scale US military deployments. President Donald Trump opened a window for diplomacy. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that prospects for a nuclear deal are open in Geneva, despite Trump’s threats of military strikes. See the key points of the agreement. The Foreign Minister reiterated that Tehran’s nuclear programme cannot be destroyed by military strikes and warned of a strong response to any new threats from the US. Araghchi asserted that there is no need for a ceasefire and that Iran is ready to face a ground invasion by the US. Tehran has no agenda to open space for dialogue with Washington while intimidation remains a central instrument of US foreign policy. He warned that the Iranian military is now far more prepared to confront armed conflict than in mid-June. He emphasised that negotiations would only be possible if conducted fairly and on equal terms, and that the ideal conditions for dialogue have yet to be met. Araghchi claimed that the number of demonstrator deaths is in the hundreds and alleged a plot to draw the US into the conflict.