Iran open to US nuclear talks but demands guarantees, says Araghchi
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Iran’s Foreign Minister says Tehran is open to talks with the US on the nuclear file if Washington provides security guarantees and respects Iran’s sovereignty.
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Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attends the 17th annual BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, July 7, 2025. (AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reaffirmed that Tehran remains open to renewed dialogue with the United States over the nuclear file, but only under strict conditions, including clear guarantees against military aggression and a formal commitment from Washington to mutual respect and acknowledgment of past policy failures.
In an interview with the French publication Le Monde, Araghchi emphasized that while Iran does not reject diplomacy, it requires concrete assurances before returning to the negotiating table. “We must first receive guarantees that Washington will not resort to military action during the negotiations,” he said, adding that diplomatic patience is essential in light of past experiences.
Araghchi made it clear that Iran's missile capabilities are not subject to talks. “Our missile power is a defensive and deterrent force,” he said, adding, “It is not up for negotiation under any circumstances.”
The minister’s remarks come amid renewed international focus on reviving the stalled nuclear agreement, with global powers pressing for a framework that would limit Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.
Iran urges a new diplomatic approach
Reflecting on the breakdown in US-Iran diplomacy, Araghchi pointed to the “maximum pressure” campaign launched under US President Donald Trump's first term, which he said was characterized by contradictory messaging, calls for negotiation followed by threats and coercive measures.
He noted that Iran had refused direct negotiations with Washington but had entertained indirect talks, albeit under revised terms. These experiences, he said, underline why Tehran is cautious and insists on structural changes to how Washington approaches diplomacy with Iran.
Despite the firm tone, Araghchi reiterated that “the doors of diplomacy will never be closed”, signaling that Iran still values negotiation as a path forward, provided that it takes place within a framework of respect, reciprocity, and security.
Iran says trust in US is broken
Iranian officials confirmed on Tuesday that the United States has conveyed messages expressing interest in resuming nuclear negotiations, but skepticism over Washington’s intentions continues to cloud prospects for renewed diplomacy.
Saeed Khatibzadeh, Assistant to Iran's Foreign Minister, said that Tehran had received several indirect messages from the US in recent days indicating a desire to return to the negotiating table. However, he stressed that meaningful talks require a basic level of trust, something he argued has been undermined by recent hostile actions.
"Negotiations require a minimum level of trust, and the blatant aggression against Iran has practically left no room for it," Khatibzadeh said, referencing what Tehran describes as a US assault on its nuclear facilities. He further noted that Iran was "in the middle of negotiations" when the attack occurred, adding, "We were also in talks with the Europeans at the time of the American strike."
Despite this, he reaffirmed that diplomacy has "always been the fundamental principle" of Iran’s foreign policy.
According to Iranian news agency Mehr, a well-informed source stated that the United States, through mediators from several countries, had sent a formal request to Iran to resume discussions concerning its nuclear program.
