Araghchi Cautions US Against Unrealistic Demands; Confirms Iran to continue enrichment with or without a deal with US
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has issued a cautionary statement to the United States, urging it to refrain from setting "unrealistic demands" in the ongoing discussions. He emphasized that Tehran is committed to advancing its enrichment program irrespective of whether an agreement with Washington is reached.
In a statement made on Sunday, Araghchi responded to an earlier assertion by Trump’s regional envoy, Steve Witkoff, who declared that Washington would firmly prohibit Iran from obtaining even a 1-percent uranium enrichment capability.
The chief Iranian negotiator informed reporters that these remarks are “entirely disconnected from the actual state of negotiations.”
“If there is a genuine interest in preventing the production of nuclear weapons, cooperation is on the table. However, if demands are deemed unrealistic, meeting them might not be feasible.”
He stated that Iran is prepared to demonstrate its lack of interest in developing nuclear weapons, should that be the assurance sought by the United States.
Araghchi highlighted that should the United States present unrealistic demands, it is only natural that such expectations would remain unfulfilled.
In a statement during an appearance on ABC’s “This Week,” Witkoff indicated that the Trump administration’s firm stance in nuclear negotiations with Iran is that Tehran must not possess any capacity to enrich uranium.
Witkoff emphasized a firm stance, stating, “Our unequivocal red line is enrichment. We will not permit even a 1% capability for enrichment.”
“Negotiations commence by excluding any provisions for enrichment, as such activities pave the way for weaponization. We are committed to preventing any development of nuclear weapons on our soil.”
Araqchi subsequently addressed the situation on X, the platform previously known as Twitter, expressing Iran’s reluctance to engage in public negotiations. He criticized the discrepancies between the private discussions and the public declarations by American officials.
In reaffirming Iran’s resolute position as a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, he asserted that nuclear enrichment endeavors will persist irrespective of any agreements, describing it as a hard-won and homegrown accomplishment.
Iranian negotiator Abbas Araghchi expressed that the opportunity for a diplomatic agreement remains viable if the United States is committed to ensuring Tehran’s non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. Araghchi emphasized Iran’s readiness for earnest dialogue to secure a long-term solution but made it clear that uranium enrichment would persist regardless of an agreement.
Araghchi announced on Sunday that the forthcoming round of indirect discussions between Iran and the United States is scheduled to be arranged “soon.”
The Iranian Foreign Minister stated that while the timing for the next series of negotiations is nearly settled, it has yet to be officially confirmed. An announcement is expected shortly.
The venue for the upcoming round of indirect talks will be revealed by the foreign minister of Oman, he remarked.
Iran has conducted four rounds of indirect negotiations with the United States aimed at formulating a successor to the 2015 agreement, officially referred to as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Both parties have generally characterized these discussions as constructive.
