DUBAI — Iran’s foreign minister has dismissed recent remarks by former US President Donald Trump, who labelled Iran as the “most destructive force” in the Middle East, calling the statement misleading and politically motivated.
Speaking just days after the fourth round of nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington, Iranian diplomat Abbas Araghchi challenged Washington’s narrative. “This portrayal is not only unfair but diverts attention from the real sources of instability,” he said on Wednesday.
Araghchi confirmed that Iran’s deputy foreign minister is set to meet with European counterparts from Britain, France, and Germany in Istanbul on Friday, as discussions intensify over the contours of a potential nuclear agreement.
He described the latest round of talks held on May 11 as “challenging,” particularly due to disputes surrounding uranium enrichment. He expressed hope that the US would adopt “more realistic approaches” in future rounds after better grasping Iran’s key positions.
The next round of negotiations will be announced by Oman, which has been mediating the dialogue since it began in April.
During a recent visit to Riyadh, Trump had contrasted Saudi Arabia’s “constructive vision” with what he called the “collapse and suffering” allegedly caused by Iran. His comments echoed long-standing US accusations that Tehran supports destabilizing actors across the region, including groups like Yemen’s Houthis.
Araghchi rejected this framing, arguing that sanctions and foreign interference—not Iran’s policies—are the true obstacles to peace and development. “The Iranian people, like others in the region, strive for prosperity. It is external pressure that stifles progress,” he said, also accusing Trump of ignoring Israel’s actions while unfairly targeting Iran.
The minister also shed light on his recent diplomatic visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, noting that Iran is seeking to build regional consensus on any potential nuclear agreement. “We believe in transparency with our neighbors and aim to foster greater regional security without foreign interference,” Araghchi added.