TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi declared on Sunday that the continuation of indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States hinges entirely on Washington demonstrating ‘necessary seriousness’ toward reaching a diplomatic resolution. The statement came during a press briefing in Tehran where Araghchi elaborated on Friday’s talks mediated by Oman in Muscat.
Araghchi presented a contradictory assessment of American intentions, noting that while some signals suggest genuine diplomatic willingness, other actions—including ongoing sanctions enforcement and concerning military movements in West Asia—cast doubt on U.S. commitment. The Foreign Minister emphasized that the negotiation format itself doesn’t prevent agreement, but substantive issues regarding ‘excessive and unrealistic demands’ from Washington pose significant obstacles.
The Iranian diplomat firmly stated that Tehran would never relinquish its right to peaceful nuclear development, including uranium enrichment capabilities, and clarified that Iran’s missile program remains strictly off the negotiation table. Simultaneously, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Abdolrahim Mousavi indicated that while Iran seeks to avoid regional conflict, the nation remains fully prepared for such military escalation.
The recently resumed diplomatic engagement occurs against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions and substantial U.S. military deployment in the area, marking the first significant dialogue since the collapse of the 2015 nuclear agreement.