Iran FM dismisses direct talks with US ‘until some things change’

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said yesterday that Tehran has decided that it will not engage in direct negotiations with the United States regarding its nuclear programme until “until some things change”.

“The nuclear agreement in its current form cannot be revived because it is not in Iran’s interest,” Araghchi told local media, adding that Tehran  “can no longer return to the terms of the nuclear agreement, although the agreement can still serve as a basis and model for negotiations.”

Araghchi emphasised that Tehran’s opposition to talks with the US is a “tactic” rather than a “strategy” which stems from “history and experience” rather than mere “stubbornness,” stressing that “certain things have to change” for the negotiations to kick off.

He pointed out that Tehran’s priorities are “neutralising the sanctions” imposed by the US, emphasising that Iran always avoids war and does not seek it, but is prepared for it.

On Friday, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said in a televised speech that Americans should know that they will achieve nothing by issuing threats in a confrontation with Iran.

“The Americans and others should know that if they act maliciously toward the Iranian people, they will receive a strong slap in the face,” he said.

Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump revealed that he had sent a letter to Khamenei, saying, “I wrote them a letter saying, ‘I hope you negotiate, because our military intervention would be a terrible thing,’” giving Tehran a two-month deadline to negotiate terms for its nuclear programme.

READ: Trump’s offer of talks with Iran aims to avoid military action, US envoy says