FM: Iran ready to resume constructive talks with West on nuclear program

Iran is prepared to immediately resume constructive negotiations with the West aimed at reaching a comprehensive agreement on its nuclear program, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

In an interview with China's CCTV, Araghchi emphasized Iran's readiness to engage in talks based on the previous framework, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which involved confidence-building measures regarding Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of sanctions, Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media.

"We remain open to constructive negotiations without delay," Araghchi stated. "Our goal is to reach an agreement on our nuclear program."

The foreign minister reiterated that Iran had fully complied with its commitments under the JCPOA, but it was the United States that unilaterally withdrew from the deal in 2018, without any valid reason. Araghchi also mentioned that negotiations with the three European powers — Britain, France, and Germany — had already begun, with the first round of talks having taken place. An agreement has been reached to hold the second round in mid-January.

Regarding the United States, Araghchi remarked that it was up to the new U.S. administration to establish its policy, and Iran would then make decisions based on that direction. He also underscored the importance of China and Russia in the talks, noting their past role as effective mediators. Iran sees both countries as crucial in ensuring the success of the negotiations.

A second round of talks with the European trio is scheduled for January 13 in Geneva. These discussions follow a previous meeting in November 2024, which marked the first round of negotiations since the U.S. elections. These talks were spurred by a European-backed resolution criticizing Iran for not fully cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In response, Iran informed the IAEA of plans to expand its uranium enrichment capacity, including the installation of additional centrifuges.

The November 29 meeting, described as "candid" by Iranian official Gharibabadi, was an attempt to ease tensions and continue diplomatic dialogue.

Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful energy purposes, rejecting claims that it aims to develop nuclear weapons. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a fatwa prohibiting the development of atomic arms.

Despite this, the head of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, raised concerns in December, warning that Iran’s uranium enrichment levels had escalated to 60% purity, which is close to weapons-grade levels. However, Tehran continues to deny any intention to pursue nuclear weapons, reaffirming that its nuclear ambitions are strictly for peaceful purposes.

By Tamilla Hasanova