Iran demands end to US threats before resuming nuclear talks: Araghchi
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Iran has reaffirmed its right to pursue peaceful nuclear development, emphasizing that US threats will not force any concessions and that genuine diplomacy must be grounded in mutual respect.
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during a news conference on September 25, 2024, at UN headquarters. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made it clear that Tehran will not return to nuclear talks with Washington unless the United States ends its military threats, framing this as a critical precondition for the revival of diplomatic engagement.
Araghchi’s comments come in response to growing reports suggesting that Tehran and Washington could soon resume dialogue, especially in light of recent US statements following the cessation of the Israeli aggression on Iran.
In an interview with CBS, Araghchi stated, "To decide whether to resume talks, we must first ensure that Washington will not again exploit the talks for military aggression." Despite his firm stance, he emphasized Iran's openness to diplomacy, adding, "The doors of diplomacy will never be closed."
Araghchi went on to defend Iran’s nuclear enrichment program, describing it as both a strategic asset and a symbol of national resilience, noting that "enrichment is an advanced, science-based industry."
He added, "If this industry is damaged or destroyed, we can quickly repair the damage and overcome the setbacks to make progress in this industry again. Enrichment technology and knowledge cannot be destroyed by bombing."
Araghchi framed Iran’s nuclear efforts as peaceful and deeply tied to national identity, adding, "Our country's peaceful nuclear program has become a source of national pride and dignity."
Drawing on Iran’s wartime experience, Araghchi stressed the nation's unwillingness to yield under pressure, stressing that "Iran has gone through 12 days of imposed war; therefore, the Iranian nation will not easily back down from enrichment."
“During the war, we demonstrated our strength and will to defend ourselves, and we will continue to do so in the event of any aggression,” he concluded.
Iran denies rumors about talks with US, says no date set
In turn, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, affirmed on Sunday that no date has been set for indirect talks with the United States, dismissing media reports on the matter as "baseless speculation."
Just days earlier, Araghchi stated that a return to talks with the US is under review and would be determined based on Iran’s national interests.
He emphasized that talks, in principle, are neither sacred nor taboo. “Talks do not necessarily mean reaching an agreement; they are a process evaluated through a cost-benefit analysis and aligned with higher national interests,” Araghchi said.
He added that any potential return to the negotiating table would require clarity about the format and framework of the talks, noting that “the circumstances have completely changed.”
Meanwhile, following the declared ceasefire between the Israeli occupation and Iran, the US State Department had claimed the environment was now favorable for reviving nuclear talks with Tehran.
Read next: Israeli aggression on Iran killed 935, including 38 children
