Ongoing tensions complicate potential diplomatic efforts between Iran and the US amidst recent conflicts involving nuclear sites.
**Iran Demands US Halt Attacks to Resume Diplomatic Negotiations**
**Iran Demands US Halt Attacks to Resume Diplomatic Negotiations**
Tehran's Deputy Foreign Minister emphasizes the need for the US to clarify its position on military strikes ahead of talks.
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, stated in a recent BBC interview that the US must explicitly rule out any further military strikes on Iran if it wishes to engage in meaningful diplomatic talks. This assertion highlights the escalating tensions between the nations, which have intensified following multiple airstrikes and missile exchanges.
Takht-Ravanchi revealed that the Trump administration communicated, albeit indirectly through mediators, its intention to return to negotiations shortly. However, he underscored a crucial absence in the US approach: the lack of any definitive stance regarding the possibility of continued military actions amid discussions over Iran's nuclear program.
The backdrop to these developments includes a series of Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear and military facilities initiated in June, which prompted Iran to retaliate with missile strikes against Israel. The United States entered the fray on June 21, conducting airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear locations: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. The precise impact of this military engagement on Iran's nuclear capabilities remains unclear, with IAEA head Rafael Grossi suggesting that while damage was significant, Iran's ability to enrich uranium could be restored within months.
In light of these attacks, Takht-Ravanchi insisted that Iran would maintain its right to enrich uranium for purportedly peaceful purposes, asserting that the nation has been unfairly denied access to necessary nuclear materials for research. "To say that you should not have enrichment, you should have zero enrichment, and if you do not agree, we will bomb you - that is the law of the jungle," he stated.
As the situation evolves, Iran is feeling the strain in its relationship with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), with parliament reportedly moving to suspend cooperation due to perceived bias towards the US and Israel. Responding to renewed threats from Trump regarding potential future strikes on Iranian sites, Takht-Ravanchi maintained that Iran seeks certainty about forthcoming US actions before engaging in dialogue.
The path to negotiations appears fraught with uncertainty. As no specific date has been set for potential talks, Takht-Ravanchi expressed frustration over the lack of clarity in US intentions while emphasizing Iran's pursuit of dialogue grounded in mutual respect. "We want to engage in dialogue and diplomacy, but we must remain vigilant against any surprises,” he concluded.
As Iran seeks to navigate its international relationships amidst increasing pressures, it finds itself caught between military threats and the aspiration for diplomatic resolution, reinforcing the need for a strategic approach to future negotiations.
Takht-Ravanchi revealed that the Trump administration communicated, albeit indirectly through mediators, its intention to return to negotiations shortly. However, he underscored a crucial absence in the US approach: the lack of any definitive stance regarding the possibility of continued military actions amid discussions over Iran's nuclear program.
The backdrop to these developments includes a series of Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear and military facilities initiated in June, which prompted Iran to retaliate with missile strikes against Israel. The United States entered the fray on June 21, conducting airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear locations: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. The precise impact of this military engagement on Iran's nuclear capabilities remains unclear, with IAEA head Rafael Grossi suggesting that while damage was significant, Iran's ability to enrich uranium could be restored within months.
In light of these attacks, Takht-Ravanchi insisted that Iran would maintain its right to enrich uranium for purportedly peaceful purposes, asserting that the nation has been unfairly denied access to necessary nuclear materials for research. "To say that you should not have enrichment, you should have zero enrichment, and if you do not agree, we will bomb you - that is the law of the jungle," he stated.
As the situation evolves, Iran is feeling the strain in its relationship with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), with parliament reportedly moving to suspend cooperation due to perceived bias towards the US and Israel. Responding to renewed threats from Trump regarding potential future strikes on Iranian sites, Takht-Ravanchi maintained that Iran seeks certainty about forthcoming US actions before engaging in dialogue.
The path to negotiations appears fraught with uncertainty. As no specific date has been set for potential talks, Takht-Ravanchi expressed frustration over the lack of clarity in US intentions while emphasizing Iran's pursuit of dialogue grounded in mutual respect. "We want to engage in dialogue and diplomacy, but we must remain vigilant against any surprises,” he concluded.
As Iran seeks to navigate its international relationships amidst increasing pressures, it finds itself caught between military threats and the aspiration for diplomatic resolution, reinforcing the need for a strategic approach to future negotiations.
