Is Iran Deciding to Join the Upcoming Nuclear Talks with the US?

Synopsis
Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi is weighing the possibility of participating in upcoming indirect nuclear negotiations with the US. Amid heightened tensions, he emphasized Iran's commitment to diplomacy while firmly rejecting US demands for a complete halt to uranium enrichment. What could this mean for the future of nuclear talks?
Key Takeaways
- Iran is contemplating participation in upcoming nuclear talks with the US.
- US officials have made demands for a complete halt to uranium enrichment.
- Iran has emphasized its commitment to diplomacy despite heightened tensions.
- The Supreme Leader has warned against US remarks on enrichment.
- Negotiations aim to address sanctions and Iran's nuclear program.
Tehran, May 21 (NationPress) - On Wednesday, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi announced that the nation is contemplating its participation in the next round of indirect nuclear discussions with the United States, as reported by the official news outlet IRNA.
These comments were made during a ceremony in Tehran marking the first anniversary of his predecessor Hossein Amir-Abdollahian's tragic demise in a helicopter crash on May 19 of the previous year.
Araghchi stated, "Currently, we observe the unreasonable and illogical positions expressed by US officials, which have come to light in recent days. Iran has responded promptly to these statements."
He emphasized, "While we will resist excessive demands at the negotiation table, we have not abandoned the path of diplomacy."
The Foreign Minister clarified that Iran's stance is unequivocal: "(Uranium) enrichment will persist, regardless of an agreement."
Furthermore, he indicated that Iran is prepared to enhance transparency regarding its nuclear program, but expects discussions on the removal of sanctions imposed on the nation, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Earlier, during a memorial for former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who also died in the same helicopter crash last year, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei cautioned the United States against making nonsensical claims about Tehran's uranium enrichment, according to footage shared on his website.
On Tuesday, Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, mentioned that Tehran is examining a proposal for the fifth round of indirect negotiations with the United States.
Facilitated by Oman, the Iranian and US delegations have conducted four rounds of indirect talks since April, focusing on Tehran's nuclear program and the lifting of US sanctions.
In recent days, US officials have persistently demanded that Iran halt uranium enrichment entirely, a request that Tehran has firmly rejected, deeming it non-negotiable.