Middle East
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi looks on as he speaks during the 17th edition of the Al-Jazeera Forum in Doha on February 7, 2026. Photo: AFP
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that Tehran’s missile program is “never negotiable” in talks with the United States, warning that his country would target US military bases in the region if Washington launches an attack.
His remarks came a day after indirect US-Iran talks mediated by Oman, amid heightened regional tensions over Iran’s nuclear program.
“Missiles are never negotiable because they are a defence issue,” Araghchi said in an interview with Al Jazeera, according to excerpts published in Farsi on his official Telegram channel.
He reiterated that nuclear enrichment remains a red line for Tehran.
“Enrichment is our inalienable right and must continue. Even bombing could not destroy our capabilities,” Araghchi said, adding that Iran is prepared to reach a “reassuring agreement” on enrichment.
The top diplomat stressed that while Iran has no intention of striking US territory, it would respond forcefully to any attack. “There is no possibility of attacking American soil if Washington attacks us, but we will attack their bases in the region,” he said.
Friday’s talks were led on the Iranian side by Araghchi, while the US delegation included President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
Although Trump said another meeting with Tehran is planned for early next week, Araghchi said no date has been finalized.
“No specific time has been set for the second round of negotiations, but both we and Washington believe they should take place soon,” he said.
Despite the indirect format of the talks, Araghchi noted that there was an opportunity to briefly “shake hands” with members of the US delegation.
The diplomatic engagement comes as regional tensions continue to rise. Earlier this week, Iran-linked armed vessels attempted to intercept a US-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. In a separate incident, a US warplane shot down an Iranian drone over the Arabian Sea.
Iran’s nuclear program has long been a central point of contention with Washington, which has repeatedly called on Tehran to curb uranium enrichment. Combined with Iran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests - despite US warnings of possible military action - these issues have driven an increased US military presence in the Gulf, heightening fears of a broader military confrontation.
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