Iran ready to hold constructive nuclear talks: Araghchi

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
4 Jan 2025 10:47
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Abbas Araghchi tells China's CCTV about Iran's preparedness to reach an agreement regarding the nuclear deal.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks in a joint press briefing with his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr Albusaidi after their meeting in Tehran, Iran, on December 30, 2024. (AP)

Iran is ready to hold constructive negotiations to achieve an agreement for its nuclear program, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated.

In an exclusive interview with China's CCTV on Friday, Araghchi conveyed Tehran's willingness to resume talks, emphasizing the goal of reaching an agreement, as well as engaging in constructive talks "without delay".

He further explained that the Islamic Republic's approach remains consistent with the original JCPOA framework: building trust regarding Iran's nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions. "We are ready to negotiate on this foundation," he added.

Araghchi highlighted that Iran negotiated the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in good faith over two years, achieving an agreement widely praised as a diplomatic success, stressing that Iran upheld its commitments, but the US unilaterally withdrew without justification, calling it a strategic mistake that led to increased sanctions.

However, one round of negotiations with European countries has already occurred, with another planned in the next two weeks. Regarding the US, Araghchi added that Iran will respond once the Trump administration finalizes its policy.

JCPOA revival?

The JCPOA, originally signed in 2015, has faced a turbulent history since the US unilaterally withdrew in 2018.

Following Washington's exit and the reimposition of sanctions, Iran triggered the JCPOA's dispute resolution mechanism, leading to commitments from remaining signatories to mitigate the economic impact. However, Iran reduced its compliance with the deal in stages after European nations failed to meet their promises.

Efforts to revive the JCPOA have been ongoing, with eight rounds of talks in Vienna involving Iran, the European Union, and other signatories, while the US participated indirectly.

Despite some progress, negotiations remain stalled due to new demands, delays, and conflicting positions from the US, leaving the future of the deal uncertain.

However, last month, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed optimism about a "genuine opportunity" for President-elect Donald Trump to play a pivotal role in brokering a new Iran nuclear deal following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad government in Syria.