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World / Fri, 28 Aug 2026 CNBC

Iran calls for global pushback against U.S. sanctions, says diplomacy 'isn't impossible'

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi attends a ceremony where Iran's Foreign Ministry and Health Ministry sign a memorandum of understanding MoU on cooperation in rebuilding infrastructure damaged during the war in Tehran, Iran, Aug. 11, 2026. Iran's Foreign Ministry on Friday called on "all countries" not to implement U.S. sanctions against Tehran, warning that doing so would represent "complicity" in imposing the "illegal will" of the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump made clear on Thursday that Washington is not talking with Iran, telling reporters in the Oval Office: "We ‌don't want to speak to them. Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, however, said via X on Friday that "putting diplomacy back on track isn't impossible." He added, "The U.S. should build trust, speak respectfully, acknowledge our rights, and uphold commitments."

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi attends a ceremony where Iran's Foreign Ministry and Health Ministry sign a memorandum of understanding MoU on cooperation in rebuilding infrastructure damaged during the war in Tehran, Iran, Aug. 11, 2026.

Iran's Foreign Ministry on Friday called on "all countries" not to implement U.S. sanctions against Tehran, warning that doing so would represent "complicity" in imposing the "illegal will" of the United States.

The comments were laid out in a two-page letter published via Telegram, as the country set its conditions for reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and touted the prospect of a return to diplomatic negotiations.

The White House announced an "economic D-Day" campaign against Tehran earlier in the week, threatening countries that do business with the Islamic Republic and shifting its focus from military action to economic pressure after six months of war.

U.S. President Donald Trump made clear on Thursday that Washington is not talking with Iran, telling reporters in the Oval Office: "We ‌don't want to speak to them. We're not looking to meet or anything."

Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, however, said via X on Friday that "putting diplomacy back on track isn't impossible."

Araghchi said that following "creative discussions" with Qatari officials on Thursday to reopen a safe transit route through the strait, the potential for renewed negotiations with Washington "hinges on U.S. understanding of one simple fact: pressure doesn't work."

He added, "The U.S. should build trust, speak respectfully, acknowledge our rights, and uphold commitments."

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