Iran used the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek to deliver a firm message on its dispute with Washington. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would not give in to US pressure or intimidation, repeating that Iran would not accept what it sees as coercive tactics.
According to the remarks highlighted from the summit, Araghchi argued that American pressure is the central reason meaningful dialogue remains difficult. He presented Iran’s position as one based on resisting intimidation while protecting the country’s national interests and its people.
The statement reflects Tehran’s continued effort to push back publicly against Washington’s approach in international forums. By raising the issue at the SCO gathering, Iran signaled to regional partners that it sees outside pressure, rather than diplomacy on equal terms, as the main barrier to progress.
Araghchi’s comments also underline the broader strain in Iran-US relations, with both sides still far apart on how talks should move forward. For now, Iran’s message from Bishkek is that negotiations cannot advance if they are tied to threats or unilateral pressure.
