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Iran has ruled out negotiations on a final agreement with the United States while Washington continues to threaten military action, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urging US President Donald Trump to “honor your signature.”
The sharp exchange marks a further deterioration in already strained US-Iran relations, as tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran continues nationwide mourning following the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Araghchi dismissed the possibility of fresh negotiations, saying diplomacy cannot proceed under threats of force. His remarks came after Trump warned that the United States would either reach an agreement with Tehran or “finish the job,” while claiming Washington could swiftly destroy Iran’s key infrastructure if necessary.
In a social media post, Araghchi cited provisions of a recently signed memorandum of understanding between the two countries, arguing that negotiations under coercion violate the spirit of the agreement.
“Neither the Iranian people nor our armed forces are intimidated by threats,” he said, ending his message with a direct appeal to Trump to “honor your signature.”
The diplomatic confrontation comes at a sensitive moment for Iran. Millions of mourners have gathered across the country for funeral ceremonies honoring Khamenei, while the leadership works to consolidate power following his death.
At the same time, speculation has intensified over the continued absence of Mojtaba Khamenei from public events. Iranian officials have attributed his absence to security concerns and assassination threats, although it has fueled widespread speculation about the country’s political transition.
Regional tensions have also escalated at sea. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that an unidentified projectile struck a commercial tanker off the coast of Oman, triggering a fire onboard.
US officials blamed Iran for the attack, while Iranian state media claimed the vessel had attempted to use a US-backed shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz without Tehran’s coordination.
Iranian lawmaker Alaeddin Boroujerdi reinforced Tehran’s hardline position, describing the Strait of Hormuz as Iran’s “greatest instrument of power” and warning that any maritime activity conducted without Iran’s approval was “doomed to failure.”
The heightened tensions have rattled global energy markets, with European natural gas prices rising sharply and Brent crude climbing to its highest level in a week amid fears of supply disruptions through one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.
Despite intermittent diplomatic contacts, the latest exchange underscores the widening gap between Washington and Tehran, leaving prospects for a negotiated settlement increasingly uncertain as both sides harden their positions.