Tehran Says It Might Return to US Nuclear Discussions provided that Treated with 'Dignity' and 'Honor'
Iran is ready to restart nuclear negotiations with Washington on condition that it is approached with "respect" and "honor", Tehran's top diplomat has stated.
The Iranian diplomat said solely negotiations worked, and disclosed new appeals had originated from go-betweens to reopen negotiations with the US government. He asserted Iran did not have undeclared nuclear sites, and Tehran was not yet able to authorize the global atomic watchdog to visit bombed nuclear sites for security reasons.
Walking a Complex Route
The foreign minister is treading a complex path since Iran wishes not to be perceived to be operating from a situation of weakness, and he insisted repeatedly that Iran had emerged more powerful defensively and emotionally from the joint assault on its nuclear sites in June.
He was addressing at a strategic meeting in Tehran where he reiterated that Iran had "an inalienable right to enrich uranium on home soil that it will never give up" – the primary cause of the deadlock in the previous talks.
Prior Discussions Abruptly Concluded
The earlier sessions of discussions between the US and Iran were brought to an abrupt and hostile termination on 12 June when Israel, with US support, struck Tehran's atomic facilities in a 12-day war that culminated with Donald Trump claiming the sites had been destroyed. Subsequently, Western states used their authority to reimpose international penalties, but Iran asserts they have not had a significant effect.
Perfect Agreement Suggested
Iran's diplomats said they felt they had reached a "perfect agreement" to the nuclear fuel concern in prior discussions, when it was agreed an local partnership with Washington's engagement could refine atomic fuel. Both sides would have been able to assert triumph since home-based processing would have persisted and the US could be confident that Iran's enrichment initiative was solely for peaceful purposes.
It had not been decided in the discussions that American atomic experts could work on Iranian soil, but that was a logical implication of the partnership suggestion. Representatives stated repeatedly they had achieved a deal with Trump's special envoy the US official only for the agreement to collapse due to "opponents in the US".
Present Situation
Iran's diplomats declared the partnership proposal was now off the table, but it seems quite possible the suggestion could be reintroduced in some form if negotiations resume.
Trump in recent days stated he had been receiving messages that Iran wanted to restart talks, but confidentially Iran's diplomats claim they are not yet receiving consistent overtures from the United States either straightforwardly or from key regional mediators, such as the Qatari government, Egypt, the Omani authorities and Saudi Arabia. The Iranian foreign ministry has been charged of inactivity in the aftermath of Washington's unmediated tactics, but Iran says negotiations is not part of a show.
Political Position
In his remarks to the gathering, intended to paint the US as a hegemonic power that misuses the notion of international law, Araghchi said the 12-day war revealed the dispute could not be resolved by armed force. He stated the attacks started with a US demand for an unconditional Iranian surrender and culminated with an absolute demand for a ceasefire.
Iran is certain the initial Israeli attacks were executed with complete American awareness and cooperation, making faith challenging to reestablish.
Negotiations Continues the Ultimate Solution
The foreign minister stated: "It was not Iran that had abandoned diplomacy; it was America and the western countries that had consistently sought to dictate their demands during the talks. Diplomacy can still be active and continues the primary solution to resolve conflicts, but its requirements, rules and fundamentals must be followed."
"Provided that they speak to the Iranian people with the approach of respect and respect, they will obtain a response in the identical approach."
Repair and Reconstruction
In what is portrayed by Iran's diplomats as the battle of repair and rebuilding, the foreign minister said he was assured Iran's defence capabilities "are much stronger than prior to 13 or 14 June of this year. Every aspect of our defense have been reestablished. We acquired numerous insights from this engagement; we have come to know our own weaknesses and the shortcomings of the adversary."
He added: "We managed to survive this engagement. Our enrichment knowledge, which they aimed to destroy, remains in place. The installations and gear, if eliminated, will be reconstructed; what is essential is the determination of the nation of Iran and then the unity of the country that they targeted, but were unable to destroy. The nation of Iran have developed stronger, more united, and more backing of the government and the state in the face of this assault."