Iranian President Indicates Openness to Nuclear Discussions with US on Equal Terms
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Synopsis
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed a willingness to engage in nuclear talks with the US if conducted on equal terms. He emphasized the need for respect and accountability from the US, particularly following its withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.
Key Takeaways
- Pezeshkian ready for US nuclear talks
- Negotiations must be on equal footing
- Past failures due to US withdrawal from JCPOA
- Iran's commitment to no nuclear weapons
- Warnings regarding regional instability and Israel
Tehran, Jan 16 (NationPress) Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has shown a willingness to participate in nuclear discussions with the United States, emphasizing that such dialogues must occur on equal terms, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.
The IRNA reported that President Pezeshkian recently conducted an interview with NBC News in Tehran, where he highlighted that Iran will not yield to external pressures.
"We are prepared for negotiations. However, these discussions must honor our dignity and intelligence and be held on equal footing. We will not submit to coercion," he stated, as per the IRNA report.
The President pointed out that previous negotiation failures stemmed from the US's lack of dedication, particularly referencing its withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
"We must have confidence that the other party will comply with what is documented and signed," he stressed, calling for the West to lift sanctions. "They cannot impose sanctions one day and then expect us to negotiate the following day," he added.
Pezeshkian reiterated Iran's position on nuclear weapons, asserting that the country has no plans to pursue nuclear arms and remains dedicated to international oversight of its nuclear sites. "The international community is well aware of our stance," he remarked, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Regarding regional issues, the Iranian leader denounced recent acts of aggression by Israel, attributing them as a source of instability in the Middle East. While asserting that Iran does not pursue conflict, he cautioned of a devastating response if the nation is attacked.
Iran entered into the JCPOA with global powers in July 2015, agreeing to limit aspects of its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. However, the United States withdrew from the agreement in May 2018 and reinstated sanctions on Iran, which led Tehran to reduce its commitments under the agreement.
Discussions aimed at reviving the JCPOA commenced in April 2021 in Vienna, Austria. Despite numerous rounds of negotiations, no significant advancements have been made.
