Iran Proposes Resumption of Nuclear Negotiations with the U.S. Amid Ongoing Conflict
Iran declared on Saturday its readiness to resume nuclear negotiations with the United States “under new conditions,” following a breakdown of talks during the 12-day conflict with Israel, as long as such discussions are “based on common interests and mutual respect,” reports 24brussels.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized that the format of negotiations cannot revert to pre-war standards. “The negotiations cannot take the same form as before the war. It is not possible that, after the war ends with all its consequences, we will sit back at the dialogue table under the same previous conditions,” he stated during an event in Tehran, as cited by the official IRNA news agency.
Araqchi insisted that discussions surrounding nuclear matters are still active but have evolved into a new framework. He underscored that the respect for Iran’s sovereignty and the lifting of sanctions are fundamental requirements for any substantive dialogue.
According to Araqchi, Iran is currently communicating with Washington via intermediaries and will only engage in renewed nuclear discussions when the U.S. is willing to negotiate on a foundation of shared interests and respect. He firmly stated that Tehran “will not give in to pressure or blackmail,” presumably in reference to U.S. demands to halt uranium enrichment—an issue Iran views as non-negotiable.
Prior to the outbreak of conflict with Israel, Iran and the U.S. had engaged in five rounds of negotiations since January, with a sixth meeting planned but ultimately canceled due to escalations that commenced with Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory.
The United States entered the conflict on June 22, conducting operations against three Iranian nuclear facilities two days before a truce took effect.
Araqchi reported positive developments in the nuclear talks with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), highlighting that the two sides are nearing agreement on a new cooperative framework in response to the attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.
Further discussions are anticipated in Vienna to finalize this revamped cooperation, which was previously suspended due to legislation passed by the Iranian Parliament.
“In accordance with the law adopted by Parliament and considering the current realities and changes that have occurred, we will be able to commence a new phase of cooperation with the IAEA, taking all our concerns into account,” Araqchi concluded.
His remarks come shortly after the UK, France, and Germany activated the United Nations’ automatic sanctions reinstatement mechanism against Iran regarding its nuclear program on August 28.
