Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated after a meeting with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi in Tehran on Thursday that the Islamic Republic is ready to engage in nuclear negotiations based on previous agreements, but emphasized that the level of cooperation will depend on the commitment of the other parties involved.

Following the meeting, Araghchi told IRNA that the discussions with Grossi were "constructive." He emphasized that Iran is willing to continue cooperating with the IAEA, provided that the other parties uphold their commitments. "We engaged in constructive discussions, clarifying our cooperation path with the agency for the upcoming year, which is crucial for the Iranian nuclear issue," he added.

Araghchi also noted, "I informed Mr. Grossi that the Islamic Republic of Iran is open to nuclear negotiations and collaboration in line with previous agreements, but the extent of this cooperation will depend on the seriousness of the other parties."

Negotiation, not confrontation, is key to resolving nuclear tensions

Iran's Foreign Minister told IRNA that Iran has consistently honored its commitments under the JCPOA in good faith, while the other parties withdrew from the agreement.

He further explained that Iran's ongoing negotiations aim to establish a new approach to reduce tensions with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other stakeholders. The diplomat expressed hope that these discussions would help de-escalate the situation and lead to a reasonable resolution before tensions worsen.

Regarding whether the joint statement issued during IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi's visit to Tehran on March 4, 2023, remains valid or if new understandings were reached, Araghchi clarified that the current cooperation is based on agreements made during this recent visit, while still taking previous accords into account.

The primary direction of cooperation, he noted, will be shaped by both the IAEA and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, with technical steps agreed upon through that framework and a political consensus to begin a new path.

Furthermore, the top Iranian figure underscored that the only viable solution to the current issues is through negotiation, particularly given the broader regional and global context, including the impact of Donald Trump's recent US presidential election victory. He pointed out that the confrontational approach had already been tried and had yielded no positive results, adding that confrontation is counterproductive for all parties involved.

"We must prioritize cooperation, and we are ready to work together. We hope the other parties will adopt a wise approach," said Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

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Grossi arrived in Tehran late Wednesday and was welcomed by Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesperson for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).

After his meeting with Grossi, Araghchi took to social media platform X to reaffirm Iran’s commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and its ongoing cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

"As a committed member of the NPT, we continue our full cooperation with the IAEA. Differences can be resolved through cooperation and dialogue. We agreed to proceed with courage and goodwill," Araghchi stated.

Important & straightforward talks with DG @rafaelmgrossi this morning.

As a committed member of NPT we continue our full cooperation with the IAEA. Differences can be resolved through cooperation and dialogue. We agreed to proceed with courage and good will.

Iran has never… pic.twitter.com/bwLLzrKzwE

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) November 14, 2024

The top diplomat emphasized that Iran has never walked away from negotiations regarding its peaceful nuclear program, signaling Tehran’s willingness to engage in talks to address outstanding issues.

“The ball is in the EU/E3 court,” he added, but also made it clear that Iran is "NOT ready to negotiate under pressure and intimidation."

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