Iran States It May Rejoin US Nuclear Talks provided that Handled with 'Respect' and 'Honor'
Tehran is ready to reinitiate atomic discussions with Washington provided that it is approached with "dignity" and "respect", Iran's foreign minister has announced.
The Iranian diplomat said only diplomacy produced results, and shared recent overtures had been made by go-betweens to resume negotiations with the American leadership. He said Iran possessed no secret atomic facilities, and Tehran had not yet reached a point to authorize the International Atomic Energy Agency to visit struck enrichment centers for safety concerns.
Walking a Difficult Course
The foreign minister is walking a challenging path since Iran does not want appear to be operating from a situation of weakness, and he emphatically stated that Iran had come out more powerful militarily and mentally from the Israeli-US attack on its atomic facilities in June.
He was speaking at a security conference in Tehran where he restated that Iran had "an inalienable right to process nuclear material within its borders that it will always maintain" – the main reason of the deadlock in the prior discussions.
Prior Negotiations Unexpectedly Concluded
The earlier sessions of negotiations between the US and Iran were concluded unexpectedly and hostile conclusion on 12 June when Israel, with US support, attacked Iranian nuclear sites in a 12-day war that culminated with Donald Trump declaring the sites had been destroyed. Subsequently, EU nations used their right to reinstate UN-wide sanctions, but Iran asserts they have not had a significant effect.
Ideal Resolution Proposed
Iranian officials claimed they felt they had achieved a "perfect agreement" to the nuclear fuel concern in prior discussions, when it was decided an Iran-based consortium with Washington's engagement could refine atomic fuel. The two nations would have been able to assert triumph since local refinement would have continued and the US could be assured that Iran's atomic project was solely for peaceful purposes.
It had not been decided in the talks that Washington's technical specialists could function inside Iran, but that was a reasonable assumption of the cooperative offer. Representatives asserted repeatedly they had secured an understanding with Trump's special envoy the American negotiator only for the deal to fall apart due to "spoilers in Washington".
Present Status
Iranian officials said the consortium offer was now off the table, but it seems very probable the offer could be resurrected in some form if discussions reopen.
The US president recently stated he had been receiving messages that Iran desired to restart talks, but in private Iranian officials say they are not yet obtaining clear proposals from Washington either straightforwardly or from important Middle Eastern intermediaries, such as the Qatari government, the Egyptian leadership, Oman and Saudi Arabia. The Iran's state department has been criticized of inactivity in the wake of Washington's unmediated tactics, but Iran states negotiations is not part of a performance.
Negotiating Standpoint
In his remarks to the gathering, aimed to paint the US as a controlling nation that exploits the idea of worldwide standards, Araghchi said the 12-day war demonstrated the dispute could not be ended by military means. He said the strikes began with a Washington's ultimatum for an total Iran submission and culminated with an unconditional call for a ceasefire.
Iran is convinced the opening assaults from Tel Aviv were executed with full US knowledge and collaboration, making trust difficult to reestablish.
Negotiations Continues the Ultimate Solution
Araghchi stated: "It was not Iran that had deserted dialogue; it was the United States and the western countries that had consistently sought to enforce their desires during the discussions. Dialogue can still be active and continues the ultimate resolution to address disputes, but its requirements, regulations and fundamentals must be followed."
"Provided that they address to the citizens of Tehran with the approach of dignity and honor, they will get a answer in the identical tone."
Repair and Rebuilding
In what is characterized by Iranian officials as the battle of restoration and rebuilding, Araghchi said he was assured Iran's security strengths "are considerably enhanced than preceding 13 or 14 June of this year. Our entire military infrastructure have been rebuilt. We gained many lessons from this war; we have come to know our own weaknesses and the shortcomings of the opponent."
He added: "We effectively endured this war. Our nuclear technology, which they intended to destroy, remains in place. The installations and gear, if eliminated, will be rebuilt; what is essential is the will of the citizens of Tehran and then the national cohesion that they targeted, but were unable to shatter. The citizens of Tehran have grown stronger, more integrated, and more endorsing of the government and the nation in the aftermath of this invasion."