Iran Signals Readiness for Nuclear Negotiations Amid Sanction Threats
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has stated that Iran is ready to engage in “fair and balanced” negotiations regarding its nuclear program, following a recent decision by European nations to initiate a 30-day process to reinstate United Nations sanctions—an action that Tehran warns will elicit an appropriate response, reports 24brussels.
In his correspondence with Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Araqchi emphasized Iran’s willingness to participate in diplomatic talks, contingent on other parties demonstrating genuine commitment and refraining from actions that could undermine the negotiations.
Araqchi criticized the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, collectively referred to as the E3, asserting that they “lack both the legitimacy and the authority” to trigger UN sanctions as they have not fulfilled their obligations under the 2015 nuclear agreement.
The 2015 deal provided sanctions relief in exchange for stringent limits on Iran’s nuclear activities. However, the United States’ unilateral withdrawal from the agreement in 2018 and subsequent sanctions led Iran to start rolling back its commitments in 2019.
Yesterday, the E3 activated the 30-day mechanism to reimpose sanctions, claiming that Iran’s actions represent a “clear and deliberate” evasion of the 2015 deal and pose “serious risks” related to the development of nuclear weapons.
In response, Araqchi warned of “appropriate” countermeasures from Iran, although he did not specify what these would entail. Additionally, Iranian lawmakers are reportedly drafting a bill to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), prohibit negotiations with Western nations, and suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
This legislation must navigate the parliamentary process, including approval from the Guardian Council and support from the Supreme National Security Council, before becoming law.
These developments emerge in the context of a 12-day conflict initiated by Israel against Iran, during which both Israeli and U.S. forces conducted strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and targeted civilian areas.
