US contradictory stances prolong nuclear talks: Baqaei to Al Mayadeen
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The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that shifting US positions hinder nuclear talks and erode trust, citing sanctions and pressure from "Israel".
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An undated image of Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei (IRNA)
Washington’s shifting positions in each round of discussions risk prolonging the nuclear talks and damaging mutual trust, the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, warned on Monday.
Baqaei told Al Mayadeen that the talks cannot yield results as long as positions keep shifting and contradicting each other, adding that under such circumstances, establishing an atmosphere of mutual trust would be unlikely.
The spokesperson emphasized that Iran approaches these discussions while still enduring decades of sustained US pressure, including ongoing sanctions and threats, a reality that fundamentally undermines any possibility of trust or confidence in the American side.
Additionally, he noted there's no way for Iran to understand Washington's real motives in insisting on completely halting uranium enrichment domestically.
Baqaei continued that any neutral observer could gradually recognize how US lawmakers are increasingly yielding to pressure from factions opposed to diplomacy, factions whose core, he added, consists of the Israeli occupation regime, an entity that rejects all paths to peace and dialogue while persistently working to keep the region trapped in endless conflict.
Regarding Iran's regional relations, Baqaei emphasized to Al Mayadeen that Tehran places significant importance on its neighbors, stressing that regional security remains a strategic priority for his country.
He explained that Iran believes a strong region requires "powerful, reconciled nations that maintain friendly relations," which is why, he added, "we extend our hand to all our neighbors."
Araghchi asserts Iran will continue uranium enrichment
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi firmly rejected recent US calls to halt nuclear activities in May, asserting that Tehran’s uranium enrichment program would continue without interruption, in a statement issued on May 18.
During the Tehran Dialogue Forum, Araghchi addressed US envoy Steve Witkoff’s call to halt enrichment, dismissing his remarks as disconnected from negotiation realities before stating unequivocally that uranium enrichment activities would persist in Iran.
Previously, Witkoff stated that a deal between Washington and Tehran would depend on Iran's level of uranium enrichment, however, he escalated the rhetoric on Iran's nuclear program, asserting that Iran cannot enrich uranium at any level in an interview with ABC News on May 18.
Addressing the inconsistent messaging from US officials, Araghchi criticized these contradictions for both obstructing diplomatic progress and casting doubt on Washington's sincerity, while firmly asserting that Iran would nevertheless continue to uphold its legally justified positions in full compliance with international commitments.
