Iran Sets Preconditions for Nuclear Negotiations with the US

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi states that Iran will not negotiate with the U.S. on nuclear issues until it returns to the JCPOA. Meanwhile, Iran is pursuing talks with European nations, China, and Russia to restart nuclear negotiations, which have stalled due to U.S. sanctions. Araghchi stresses Iran’s commitment to peaceful negotiations regarding its nuclear program.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has emphasized the conditions under which the Iranian government is willing to engage in discussions with the United States regarding the nuclear agreement. He stated that negotiations will not take place until the U.S. returns to compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or articulates its policy position on the matter. Currently, Iran is pursuing negotiations with European nations, China, and Russia to find pathways to resume nuclear talks.

In a recent televised interview, Araghchi clarified that Iran has not abandoned its commitment to negotiations regarding its nuclear program. “We have never left the negotiating table on the nuclear issue… for we are sure of the peaceful nature of our nuclear program.” He remarked that ongoing discussions involve UK, France, and Germany, alongside sessions with EU representatives aimed at reviving stalled negotiations.

Despite the hopes for a renewed dialogue, Araghchi noted the challenges arising from the U.S.’s rigid stance on sanctions imposed during the previous administration. Since the discontinuation of negotiations in August, Iran has mandated that any agreement must be accompanied by guarantees of compliance from the U.S. government. The JCPOA, initially established in 2015 with the five permanent UN Security Council members and Germany, remains a focal point of contention despite efforts to revive it since April 2021.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is a landmark nuclear deal that aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. The agreement was signed in 2015 but suffered a major setback when former President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the accord in 2018, reinstating several sanctions against Iran. Since then, negotiations to restore the agreement have been ongoing, particularly under the Biden administration, which has expressed a willingness to re-enter the deal. However, these discussions have repeatedly stalled due to disagreements over sanctions and verification mechanisms.

In summary, Iran’s Foreign Minister has laid out clear prerequisites for resuming discussions on the nuclear deal with the United States, emphasizing the need for U.S. compliance with the JCPOA. The Iranian government continues to seek engagement with European nations and other global powers, highlighting its commitment to peaceful negotiations. Nonetheless, the U.S.’s steadfast position on sanctions presents a significant barrier to overcoming the current impasse in negotiations.

Original Source: en.mehrnews.com