“Because we are Iranians,” Araghchi responds to Trump’s “surrender” remarks

• Iran’s foreign minister dismisses US pressure after Trump expresses surprise at Tehran’s refusal to “surrender.”
• Military escalation coincides with preparations for new indirect nuclear talks in Geneva.

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has pushed back against remarks attributed to US President Donald Trump expressing surprise that Iran has not “surrendered” despite mounting American military pressure in the region.

Curious to know why we do not capitulate? Because we are IRANIAN. pic.twitter.com/jVgbkZv742

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) February 22, 2026

Read more: Iran’s nuclear program cannot be destroyed by military strikes, says Araghchi

The response came after US special envoy Steve Witkoff said on Sunday that Trump was puzzled by Iran’s stance in the face of increased US force deployments and threats of a potential military strike.

Sharp response from Tehran

In a post on X, Araghchi reacted directly to Witkoff’s comments, writing: “Are you wondering why we do not surrender? Because we are Iranians,” according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA. He accompanied the post with the Iranian flag.

Read more: Iranian president says foreign powers are obstructing reform

The remark underscored Tehran’s defiant tone as tensions with Washington escalate over Iran’s nuclear program and regional security issues.

US military buildup intensifies

The United States has bolstered its military presence in the Middle East in recent weeks, increasing pressure on Iran while Trump considers the option of a military strike.

The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is currently heading toward the region to join another carrier strike group. Dozens of US fighter jets have also been deployed as part of the buildup.

Earlier rounds of talks between Iran and the United States, including a recent meeting in Geneva, have failed to produce a clear breakthrough.

Nuclear talks set to resume

Despite the rising rhetoric, diplomatic channels remain open. Araghchi discussed preparations for the next round of indirect nuclear talks with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi during a phone call on Monday, IRNA reported.

Albusaidi said on Sunday that a new round of indirect Iran-US negotiations would be held in Geneva on Thursday. In a post on X, he said the talks would carry “a positive momentum to exert further effort toward concluding a deal.”

Pleased to confirm US-Iran negotiations are now set for Geneva this Thursday, with a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalizing the deal.

— Badr Albusaidi - بدر البوسعيدي (@badralbusaidi) February 22, 2026

The upcoming meeting will test whether diplomacy can regain ground as military pressure and political brinkmanship continue to intensify.