Calling for confidence-building between two hostile countries, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Saturday denied US charges that Tehran was linked to an alleged plot to kill Donald Trump.
"Now ... a new scenario is fabricated ... as a killer does not exist in reality, scriptwriters are brought in to manufacture a third-rate comedy," Araqchi said in a post on X.
He was referring to the alleged plot which Washington said was ordered by Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards to assassinate Trump, who won Tuesday's presidential election and takes office in January.
"The American people have made their decision. And Iran respects their right to elect the President of their choice. The path forward is also a choice. It begins with respect," Araqchi said.
"Iran is NOT after nuclear weapons, period. This is a policy based on Islamic teachings and our security calculations. Confidence-building is needed from both sides. It is not a one-way street," he added.
Iranian analysts and insiders have not dismissed the possibility of a detente between Tehran and Washington under Trump, although without restoring diplomatic ties.
"Iran will act based on its own interests. It is possible that secret talks between Tehran and Washington take place. If security threats against the Islamic Republic are removed, anything is possible," Tehran-based analyst Saeed Laylaz said this week.
Meeting between two leaders takes place during Saudi crown prince's visit to Emirates
US president-elect praises French government of Macron in post on his social media platform Truth Social
Hunter Biden pleaded guilty in September to federal tax charges in federal court in Los Angeles
US announces first shipment of landmines to Ukraine last month — major policy shift slammed by rights groups
"French have had enough," National Rally leader Marine Le Pen tells reporters in parliament
Fengal devastates India's Puducherry with highest 24-hour rainfall observed in 30 years before weakening