Iran rules out talks with U.S. while under threat

Iran will not engage in direct negotiations with the United States unless President Trump stops threatening it, its foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said on Friday.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to Istanbul, Mr. Araghchi said talks to calm tensions between Iran and the United States had to be based on a “fair and equitable” approach and could not begin with threats, The New York Times reported.

President Trump has threatened military action against Iran, aimed at forcing it to agree to American demands that include a halt to its nuclear program, limits on its ballistic missiles and the end of its support to allied militias in the Arab world.

Mr. Trump, who has said that time is running out before he strikes Iran “with great power, enthusiasm and purpose,” is now considering options for an attack, U.S. officials have said.

Iran has vowed to retaliate against any American assaults. Experts suggest that it could target U.S. military bases or American partners like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Israel.

“Just as we are ready for negotiations, we are ready for warfare,” Mr. Araghchi said. He also ruled out any discussion of Iran’s ballistic missiles, calling them essential to its security.

“Iran’s missiles and defense systems will never be the subject of any negotiations,” he said, adding that he had no plans to meet in person with any American officials.

Few countries in the region, even those that oppose Iran’s leadership, have voiced support for American strikes, worrying that instability in Iran could draw in neighboring countries, potentially igniting a regional war. Those fears have fueled urgent international diplomacy aimed at de-escalation.

Several countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the U.A.E., Oman and Turkey, have been urging the United States to reassess whether to strike Iran and trying to persuade Iran to come to the table, according to an Arab official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomacy. But it is still unclear what the United States and Iran plan to do, the official said.