This photo released by the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs shows the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani (left), received by the Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abbas Araghchi (right), in Tehran, on Aug. 27, 2026. (Credit: Qatari foreign ministry)
BEIRUT — Iranian Foreign Affairs chief Abbas Araghchi said Friday that “getting the diplomatic process [with the United States] back on track is not impossible.”
In a message on his X account, accompanied by a photo of him receiving the Qatari prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani (who visited Tehran on Thursday), the Iranian minister added: “It depends on an American understanding of a simple fact: pressure does not work. The United States must build trust, address us with respect, recognize our rights and honor their commitments.”
Negotiations between the United States and Iran had resulted in a preliminary agreement on June 15, clearing the way for 60 days of talks toward a final deal.
However, that deal soon fell apart.
By mid-August, the deadline had expired after several rounds of violence, including U.S. attacks against Iran, Iranian attacks on its Gulf neighbors, and heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Lately, Washington appeared to favor economic pressure and a blockade against Iran.
