Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has stated that the country has not yet received any written proposals from the United States regarding a potential nuclear deal. This statement comes just hours after US President Donald Trump expressed his willingness to negotiate with Iran on a new nuclear agreement.
In a press conference on Friday, Araqchi clarified that despite Trump’s remarks, there have been no official written proposals or communication from the US government. He also added that Iran will only consider negotiations if the US returns to the 2015 nuclear deal and lifts all sanctions imposed on the country.
This statement from the Iranian Foreign Minister is a clear indication that the country is not willing to engage in any talks without the US fulfilling its obligations under the previous agreement. This stance is in line with Iran’s consistent position that the US must first show its commitment to upholding international agreements before any further discussions can take place.
The 2015 nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was signed between Iran and six world powers, including the US. Under the agreement, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. However, in 2018, the US unilaterally withdrew from the deal and reimposed sanctions on Iran, causing significant economic hardship for the country.
Since then, Iran has gradually reduced its compliance with the JCPOA, citing the US’s failure to fulfill its commitments. However, the country has repeatedly stated that it is not seeking to develop nuclear weapons and that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.
In recent months, tensions between Iran and the US have escalated, with the US increasing its military presence in the region and imposing further sanctions on Iran. However, in a surprising turn of events, President Trump expressed his willingness to negotiate with Iran during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday.
Trump stated that he is open to a new deal with Iran that would ensure the country does not develop nuclear weapons and also address its ballistic missile program and regional activities. He also mentioned that he would be willing to lift sanctions if Iran agrees to these terms.
While this may seem like a positive development, Araqchi’s statement has made it clear that Iran is not yet ready to engage in any talks without the US fulfilling its obligations under the JCPOA. This is a reasonable stance, as Iran has repeatedly stated that it will not renegotiate the terms of the deal and that the US must return to the agreement.
Furthermore, Araqchi’s statement also highlights the importance of written proposals and official communication in any potential negotiations. This ensures that both parties are on the same page and that there is no room for misinterpretation or misunderstanding.
It is also worth noting that Iran’s position is not just about the US fulfilling its obligations under the JCPOA. The country has also been facing economic difficulties due to the sanctions, and lifting them would greatly benefit its people. Therefore, any potential negotiations must also address the issue of sanctions and their impact on the Iranian people.
In conclusion, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi’s statement that the country has not received any written proposals from the US regarding a potential nuclear deal is a clear indication that Iran is not willing to engage in talks without the US fulfilling its obligations under the JCPOA. This stance is reasonable and in line with Iran’s consistent position on the matter. It is now up to the US to take the necessary steps to show its commitment to upholding international agreements and pave the way for potential negotiations.
