Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that Iran will attack American bases in the Middle East if the US attacks the country.
The US and Iran held indirect talks in Oman on Friday amid high tensions following attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities last year, which were justified as a deterrent to Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons - an ambition Iran denies.
US President Donald Trump has since warned of further attacks if Iran does not resume negotiations and sent an "armada" to the Middle East last month, demanding limits on Iran's uranium enrichment and missile program.
Friday's meeting marked the first attempt to break the deadlock. No progress was reported, although both sides agreed to continue talks.
Speaking to Al Jazeera on Saturday, Araghchi welcomed the resumption of talks as "a good starting point" but noted that there is a climate of "mistrust" following last year's attacks. He warned that Tehran would respond in kind to any future US attack.
"If Washington attacks us, there is no way we will attack American soil, but we will strike their bases in the region," he said.
Araghchi reiterated that Iran is prepared for the possibility of war with the US, but said the nuclear issue can only be resolved through dialogue, which must be free of threats or pressure. He insisted that enrichment is Iran’s right and must continue, adding that Iran will keep its enriched uranium in place and set levels based on the country’s needs. He also ruled out negotiations over Iran’s missile program, calling it a “purely defensive issue.”
Trump praised the talks in Oman as "very good" but continued his threats, warning on Friday that failure to reach a deal would bring "very serious" consequences for Iran.
Moments after the talks ended, the US State Department announced new sanctions on the country, targeting over 30 entities, individuals and vessels for suspected illicit trade in oil and petrochemicals.
