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Iran’s foreign minister rejects ceasefire as war and oil price surge continue
Iran’s foreign minister says Tehran will continue fighting despite calls for a ceasefire, while defending the country’s new supreme leader and blaming the United States and Israel for rising global oil prices.
3 min read
By Aurax Radio — Updated March 11, 2026
File photo: Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi
Abbas Araghchi, the foreign minister of Iran, says his country will continue fighting in the ongoing regional conflict, rejecting calls for a ceasefire and accusing the United States and Israel of escalating the crisis.
In interviews with international media, Araghchi said Iran sees the war as being imposed on the country and will keep defending itself until the conflict ends on its own terms. He stressed that Tehran is not seeking a ceasefire at this stage, signaling the war could continue despite growing international pressure.
Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei
Iran rules out negotiations with the United States
Iran rules out negotiations with the United States
Araghchi also said negotiations with the United States are unlikely after previous diplomatic talks collapsed.
In an interview with PBS, he said discussions with Washington left Iran with a “very bitter experience,” claiming the U.S. attacked Iran while negotiations over nuclear issues were still underway. As a result, he said talks with Americans would likely not return to the agenda.
The comments highlight a sharp deterioration in relations between the two countries, which had previously attempted to negotiate limits on Iran’s nuclear program.
New supreme leader signals continuity
New supreme leader signals continuity
The foreign minister also defended the selection of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new supreme leader following the death of his father, longtime leader Ali Khamenei.
Araghchi said the appointment reflects continuity and stability within the Iranian political system, indicating that the country will maintain its current leadership direction despite the ongoing war.
Analysts say the new leader is expected to maintain a hard-line stance toward Western powers while strengthening ties with Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard.
Oil tankers traveling through the Persian Gulf.
Tehran skyline during the ongoing regional tensions.
Oil prices surge amid conflict
Oil prices surge amid conflict
The conflict has also rattled global energy markets, pushing oil prices higher as tensions threaten shipping routes in the Persian Gulf.
Much of the concern centers on the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. Any disruption to traffic there can have major economic consequences worldwide.
The war has already caused volatility in global energy markets, with analysts warning that prolonged disruptions could drive oil prices even higher and increase inflation globally.
Araghchi argued that rising oil prices are the result of military actions by the United States and Israel rather than Iranian policy.
Conflict shows no signs of ending
Conflict shows no signs of ending
Despite international calls for restraint, Iran’s leadership has signaled that the conflict is likely to continue.
Araghchi said Iran is prepared to fight “as long as needed,” framing the war as a defensive effort against foreign attacks while dismissing pressure to halt military operations.
With fighting continuing across the Middle East and global markets reacting to the crisis, the war’s duration and broader economic impact remain uncertain.
Sources: Reuters, NBC News, AP NEws and PBS NewsHour
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