Iran's top diplomat warns US to change its approach as nuclear talks stall

Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, has declared that negotiations with the U.S. are currently impossible unless Washington alters its approach to sanctions and pressure. 

This statement comes as Iran prepares to respond to a letter sent by U.S. President Donald Trump, who had proposed new talks on a nuclear deal. Trump, earlier this month, warned that Iran faced two options: "military action or a deal," Caliber.Az reports, citing Western media.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, quickly dismissed Trump's overture as "a deception," emphasizing that any negotiations with the Trump administration would only "tighten the knot of sanctions" and intensify pressure on the Iranian economy.

Despite Khamenei's rejection, Araqchi indicated that Tehran would soon respond to the letter, addressing both its threats and potential openings for dialogue. However, the Iranian foreign minister reiterated that "it is no longer possible to enter into talks with America" under the current conditions, referencing the U.S.'s reinstatement of its "maximum pressure" campaign, which aims to reduce Iran’s oil exports to zero.

Since Trump's exit from the 2015 nuclear pact in 2018, Washington has reimposed severe sanctions, crippling Iran’s economy. In response, Iran began breaching the deal’s restrictions on its nuclear program, advancing its capabilities significantly. The U.S. has issued multiple rounds of sanctions on Iran’s oil sales since Trump’s return to the White House.

Araqchi also expressed doubts about reviving the 2015 nuclear deal in its current form, asserting that it would no longer serve Iran’s interests due to the significant progress made in its nuclear program.

"We can no longer return to previous conditions," he added. However, Araqchi noted that the 2015 deal could still serve as a "basis and model for negotiations" moving forward.

U.N. nuclear watchdog chief, Rafael Grossi, has warned that time is running out for a diplomatic solution, as Iran continues to ramp up its uranium enrichment efforts, bringing it closer to weapons-grade levels. Tehran, however, insists that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.

By Khagan Isayev