Tehran – Iran has once more indicated a willingness to resume nuclear negotiations, but emphasized that any future talks must be grounded in fairness and respect for its interests.
This message comes amid growing uncertainty regarding the future of U.S. foreign policy, particularly with the prospect of Donald Trump returning to office in a few weeks.
The Iranian government, while stating its openness to dialogue, also warned against the use of coercion or sanctions to achieve political goals.
The remarks were made by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in an interview published by Tasnim News Agency. The Foreign Minister addressed the possibility of resuming nuclear negotiations, specifically in light of the return of Donald Trump in the United States.
In a detailed statement, Araghchi articulated Iran’s position: “It was the United States that withdrew from the agreement, and in response to that withdrawal, we adjusted our policies and expanded our nuclear program. When sanctions were reinstated, we naturally suspended our commitments based on the mechanisms outlined in the JCPOA. The so-called ‘snapback’ mechanism was invoked by us, not them. We effectively set aside all our commitments and advanced our program to a level not only to pre-JCPOA levels but significantly more advanced than before.”
Araghchi stressed that the ball is now in the court of the other parties, highlighting Iran’s continued commitment to diplomacy. “Whether new negotiations will take place depends on the readiness of the other party. We have never abandoned the negotiation table, even after the U.S. withdrawal, including during the late President Ebrahim Raisi’s administration and beyond. We are confident in the peaceful nature of our nuclear program, and our aim has always been to engage in negotiations that would garner trust in Iran’s nuclear program while concurrently leading to the lifting of sanctions. It was based on this approach that we negotiated the JCPOA. We remain ready to negotiate if a similar formula is established.”
He further elaborated on any new negotiations, stating that they must be “honorable and fair, respecting the rights of the Iranian people and our red lines.”
He added, “They must not be a waste of time, nor should they be for the sake of talks, or be drawn out unnecessarily. We are prepared for such negotiations now – ones that, I reiterate, are fair and honorable, provide the rights of the Iranian people, and observe the red lines that will be defined in due course. Such negotiations must result in the lifting of sanctions in a dignified manner, while in return increasing trust in the peaceful nature of our nuclear program, which we are already certain of. This is our overall approach.”
Araghchi also made it clear that if these are not met, Iran would continue its current course. “If the other party does not favor this path, naturally, we will continue on our own path, as we have done over the past few years. Iran’s nuclear program is entirely peaceful, and we place no limitations on ourselves within the framework of peaceful applications. We will act accordingly, and those who have concerns can engage in dialogue and negotiations to alleviate those concerns.”
The Foreign Minister warned against any attempts to pressure Iran, stating, “They will not achieve their goals through coercion, pressure, or sanctions. They have experienced that. The more sanctions and pressure are imposed on Iran, the more resilient Iran will become. In the past, the policy of maximum pressure was met with a policy of maximum resistance by Iran. Now, if they choose the same route, our response will be the same. However, if they pursue fair, equitable, and honorable negotiations, and approach us with respect, we will respond in kind, pursuing a path that ultimately serves the interests of the Iranian people.”
