Iran Will Not Accept Any Condition Beyond International Law in Relations with US: Vice Minister
April 20, 2026¢Last updated: April 20, 2026
AA / Istanbul / Sahin Demir
The Iranian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Saeed Khatibzadeh, has stated that Iran will not accept any condition beyond the scope of international law in its relations with the United States.
Speaking in an interview with state broadcaster IRIB, Khatibzadeh said: “Time should not put Iran under pressure.”
He added that Iranian officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have already presented what he described as “fair and practical proposals” within Iran’s legal rights.
Khatibzadeh also emphasized that many statements from American officials are meant for domestic audiences and to influence markets, rather than to reflect a coherent political approach.
He stressed that Iran’s strategy is not dictated by American rhetoric, whether positive or negative, and reiterated that Iran “will not accept anything beyond international law.”
The Vice Minister also highlighted that diplomacy remains the only viable path to resolve crises, urging the United States to abandon what he called a “maximalist approach” and engage with Iran on the basis of mutual respect.
* Translated from English by Mariem Njeh
