Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran has no shortage of intermediaries to exchange messages with the US, stressing that the main obstacle to any progress is the United States’ “irrational, excessive, and hegemonic” approach.
Speaking on the sidelines of a ceremony welcoming Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to Tehran on Thursday, Araghchi dismissed speculation that Baghdad was carrying a US message to Iran following al-Zaidi’s recent visit to Washington.
“It is natural for the Iraqi prime minister to share his assessments and views from his trip with us,” Araghchi said.
“At present, we have no problem with mediators for exchanging messages with the United States. There are enough parties capable of playing that role, and there is no real obstacle to message exchanges.”
The visit comes one week after al-Zaidi met US President Donald Trump at the White House.
Araghchi’s rebuttal came after some media reports suggested that the Iraqi premier may be carrying messages from Washington.
The Iranian minister stressed that the core issue lies in Washington’s policies rather than communication channels.
“The main problem is the United States’ irrational, excessive, and domineering approach, which has been met with Iran’s firm response,” Araghchi said.
“Until the US understands that there is no path forward except respecting the Iranian nation and its interests, there will naturally be no basis for progress. This does not require the exchange of messages; it simply requires the United States to revise its policies,” he added.
On the implementation of the Iran-Iraq security agreement, Araghchi said the accord has been implemented to a “reasonable extent,” but noted that further attention is needed.
“Some concerns remain in certain areas, and we hope they will also be resolved,” he said.
The foreign minister also said preparations for the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage are among the topics discussed with Iraqi officials.
He noted that consultations between Tehran and Baghdad have begun well in advance and that the necessary security, logistical, and executive coordination is underway.
“I am confident that this year’s Arbaeen ceremonies will be held with even greater grandeur,” Araghchi said.
Zaidi arrived in Tehran earlier on Thursday for an official visit. He held talks with President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues.
According to a statement from the Iranian presidency, the two sides underscored the deep historical, cultural, religious and people-to-people ties between Iran and Iraq, describing them as a valuable asset that should be preserved and strengthened to expand strategic cooperation.
