Iran: US must prove serious to make progress in talks

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi says any progress in indirect talks with the US hinges on Washington demonstrating serious intent and adopting a realistic approach to the negotiations.

Speaking in a phone conversation with UN Chief Antonio Guterres on Friday, Araghchi said the inconsistencies in US behavior, as well as continued threats and sanctions against Iran, have further fueled doubts about Washington’s commitment to pursuing diplomacy.

He stated that advancing “this path requires serious will and realism on the part of the other party, and emphasized that Iran, as a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, while adhering to its obligations, insists on the Iranian nation benefiting from nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, which requires enrichment.”

The Iranian minister stressed that, to reach a balanced, fair, and durable agreement, all parties must refrain from making demands that contradict the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

He also cited the US failure to abide by its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal, emphasizing that other parties must provide guarantees to remove sanctions and allow Iran to benefit economically from any replacement for the 2015 deal.

“The contradictory behaviors and statements of US officials, along with the continuation of sanctions and threats against the Iranian nation, have intensified distrust and suspicion of the seriousness of the US in advancing the path of diplomacy,” he stated.

Araghchi also pointed out that several rounds of talks were held with three European countries, Germany, France and the UK, over the past year, and emphasized Iran’s readiness to continue interacting with European parties and expressed hope that these three countries would adopt a constructive approach towards the peaceful resolution of existing disputes.

The UN chief, for his part, underscored the importance of continuing talks until they yield results.

The UN secretary general also appreciated the innovative approach of Iran’s foreign minister in explaining the developments related to the indirect Iran-US talks.

FM: ‘Repeating falsehoods will not change basic facts’

In a separate post on X, Araghchi said, “I generally refrain from airing arguments on key negotiation elements through the media.”

“What I will say is that repeating falsehoods will not change basic facts,” he said.

“As a founding signatory to the NPT, Iran has every right to possess the full nuclear fuel cycle. Moreover, there are several NPT members that enrich uranium while wholly rejecting nuclear weapons. Apart from Iran, this club includes several Asian, European, and South American nations,” he said.

“Maximalist positioning and incendiary rhetoric achieve nothing except eroding the chances of success,” he stated.

“A credible and durable agreement is within reach. All it takes is firm political will and a fair attitude,” Araghchi said.