Now to the view from the Iranian government.

Earlier today, I spoke with Iran's foreign minister Abbas Arakchi, who joined us from Tehran.

Mr. Minister, welcome to the News Hour.

Thank you for joining us.

Thank you for having me, Abra. Thank you indeed.

So I'd like to ask you first about the news, the selection of Mujahabha Khameini, the son of the late Ayatollah, who's been named the new selected

supreme leader of Iran. Some say his selection is a message of continuity of his father's

leadership, of continued defiance to the U.S. and Israel. Do you agree with that? Is that the

message Iran would like to send?

Well, I think that is the correct evaluation. It shows that the continuity and some sort of stability at the same time. And since his selection, has he or anyone in your leadership had any contact with U.S. officials?

Is that something that he is open to to talk about negotiations or a ceasefire?

Well, first of all, it's too soon, you know, for him to make any comment. We are all waiting for his speeches and comments,

which would come later on.

But I don't think the question of talking with Americans

or negotiation with Americans once again

would be on the table because, you know, we have a very, you know, bitter experience

of talking with Americans. We negotiated with them last year in last June, and they attacked

us in the middle of negotiations. And again this year, they tried to convince us that this time

is different. They promised us that they don't have any intention to attack us.

And they wanted to resolve Iran's nuclear question peacefully

and to find a negotiated solution and we finally accepted.

But again, after three rounds of negotiation,

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