Beghaei Denies Imminent US Negotiations
Iran's Foreign Ministry has denied reports suggesting imminent nuclear negotiations with the United States, emphasizing public discontent and clarifying that no date has been scheduled for such discussions.
According to Lebanese outlet Al Mayadeen, which referenced an interview with Sky News, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei on Saturday refuted circulating reports of impending nuclear negotiations with the United States.
In light of recent developments, Axios, a U.S. news outlet, reported that White House Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is slated to hold a meeting with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oslo next week, according to information from two unnamed sources.
Both Tehran and Washington have refrained from confirming the report by Axios, which indicated that a definitive date for the discussions remains unestablished.
Baghaei highlighted the intense public outrage at present, stating that discussions around negotiations or diplomatic efforts have become untenable.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that Tehran will not reengage in nuclear negotiations with Washington until the United States ceases its military threats. This stipulation is positioned as a critical precondition for resuming diplomatic discussions.
In a CBS interview, Araghchi expressed that before deciding to resume negotiations, it is crucial to ensure Washington does not use the talks as a pretext for military aggression. While maintaining a firm position, he underlined Iran’s willingness to engage in diplomacy, stating that “the doors of diplomacy will never be closed.”
Tehran and Washington engaged in five rounds of nuclear negotiations starting on April 12, with a sixth round planned two days prior to an unexpected assault by “Israel” against Iran on June 13.
In a significant military operation, Israel launched an offensive targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and civilian infrastructure. The attack led to the deaths of several high-ranking military officials and nuclear scientists, alongside hundreds of civilians.
Iran’s judiciary has reported that the ongoing conflict with Israel has resulted in the deaths of over 900 individuals.
On June 22, the United States, widely regarded as Israel’s strongest ally, launched unprecedented strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities located in Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz.
Israel’s assaults have sparked a series of retaliatory drone and missile strikes from Iran, resulting in the deaths of 28 individuals, according to statements from Israeli officials.
On June 24, a ceasefire agreement was successfully reached between Iran and Israel.
