Iran open to indirect nuclear talks if Trump ceases threats: Araghchi
3 Min Read
The Iranian FM reiterates that his country would not engage in direct discussions with Washington while facing threats as long as Trump maintains his "maximum pressure" policy.
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during a news conference, Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at UN headquarters. (AP)
Iran signaled on Monday that it is open to indirect negotiations with the United States, following demands by President Donald Trump for a new nuclear deal, but will not be pressured into talks.
"The way is open for indirect negotiations," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, but dismissed the possibility of direct talks "until there is a change in the other side's approach towards the Islamic Republic."
Araghchi reiterated that Tehran would not engage in direct discussions with Washington while facing threats as long as Trump maintains his "maximum pressure" policy. That policy, which Trump enacted during his first term, saw the US withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimpose harsh sanctions on Iran.
Western nations, including the US, have long accused Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran vehemently denies, maintaining that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes.
Araghchi, on Sunday, affirmed that Iran makes decisions based on its interests, regardless of Trump's expectations, in an interview addressing the Republic's receipt of a letter from the US President.
When asked whether Trump would receive a written response, he stated, "We have nothing to do with his expectations. We act upon our own interests. What is best for us will be done."
Meanwhile, US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said in an interview on Friday that Trump's goal is to avoid military conflict and build trust with Iran. He insisted the letter was not intended as a threat.
Iran open to nuclear commitments if its rights are met
On Sunday, the spokesperson for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, Behrouz Kamalvandi, stated that Iran could commit to its nuclear commitments again, on the condition that its rights are not ignored.
In his statement, Kamalondi added that during the past year "International relations have been strengthened in various fields with other countries, including China and Russia, and relations with the International Atomic Energy Agency have been reinforced to prove the legitimacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran."
He added "Unfortunately, there is a great deal of distortion against Iran's nuclear industry at the international level, as we are accused of engaging in non-peaceful activities. However, Iran undergoes the highest number of inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency, with no other country being monitored as extensively as we are."
He clarified that the international community knows Iran's righteousness very well, emphasizing that immense pressure was put on Iran following the United States' withdrawal from the JCPOA.
Read more: Khamenei: US threats will be futile
