Iran: We are ready for nuclear negotiations and refuse to discuss missiles
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi affirmed his country's complete readiness to resume nuclear negotiations with international powers, stipulating that these talks must be based on the principles of justice and fairness, at a time when the region is witnessing escalating tensions that require careful diplomatic action.
Conditional willingness to return to the table
Araghchi's remarks came during a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, where he clarified Iran's official position on the thorny nuclear issue. Araghchi stated, "If the negotiations are fair and equitable, the Islamic Republic will be ready to participate," reiterating his country's nuclear doctrine that it "has never sought to acquire nuclear weapons," a position Tehran often bases on religious edicts prohibiting weapons of mass destruction.
Defense capabilities are outside the scope of negotiation
In contrast, the Iranian minister drew a clear line between the nuclear issue and conventional military capabilities, categorically denying any willingness to discuss his country's missile program or defense capabilities. Araghchi emphasized that "Iran's defense capabilities and missiles will never be a subject for negotiation," asserting that the security of the Iranian people is a matter of national sovereignty in which no external party has the right to interfere. He also noted that no meetings are scheduled at this stage with the American side, indicating a continued impasse in direct communication channels.
Background of the conflict and the nuclear agreement
These statements come in a complex historical context, as diplomatic efforts to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed in 2015, have stalled since the United States unilaterally withdrew from it in 2018 under former President Donald Trump. Since then, Tehran has gradually reduced its nuclear commitments and increased its uranium enrichment levels, raising concerns among the International Atomic Energy Agency and Western powers. The current Iranian administration seeks to lift crippling economic sanctions through diplomacy, but without making concessions that would compromise its defense capabilities.
Regional and international importance
This stance carries significant regional and international weight. On the one hand, Turkey is attempting to play a mediating role to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, particularly in light of the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, where any rapprochement between Iran and the West is seen as a contributing factor to reducing tensions. On the other hand, Araqchi is sending a message to the international community that Tehran maintains a clear separation between its peaceful nuclear program and its missile arsenal, which it considers a cornerstone of its deterrence strategy. This places the onus on Western powers to determine the next steps.
