Araghchi reaffirms Israel’s aggression torpedoed diplomacy
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Israeli regime sabotaged progress made in negotiations between Iran and the United States on Tehran’s peaceful nuclear program, stressing that “Israel prefers conflict over resolution.”
The top Iranian diplomat made the remarks in an article published by the Financial Times.
“In only five meetings over nine weeks, US special envoy Steve Witkoff and I achieved more than I did in four years of nuclear negotiations with the failed Biden administration. We were on the cusp of a historic breakthrough. To address US concerns that Iran may one day divert its peaceful nuclear program, we held detailed, frank discussions — including on the future of Iranian uranium enrichment. There were several ideas for a win-win solution, put forward by both sides, and by Oman,” he said.
“Equally important, we also focused on the termination of sanctions and US involvement in wider economic co-operation that constituted a trillion-dollar opportunity. Iran was open to mutually beneficial collaboration that would electrify the Iranian economy and address US President Donald Trump’s priority to revive dying American industries, such as the nuclear energy sector.”
But only 48 hours before a pivotal sixth meeting, which was canceled after Israel’s aggression on Iran on June 13, Israel launched an unprovoked assault on Iran, Araghchi said.
“As Iran-US dialogue was finally gaining momentum, the reckless bombardment sent an unambiguous message: Israel prefers conflict over resolution,” Iran’s top diplomat said.
Araghchi said Iran has in recent days received messages indicating that the US may be ready to return to negotiations.
“Iran signed a comprehensive nuclear deal with six countries in 2015, including the US, which Washington unilaterally abrogated three years later. And after agreeing to new negotiations in good faith, we have seen our good will reciprocated with an attack by two nuclear-armed militaries.”
The Iranian foreign minister said that Iran is interested in diplomacy but, “We have good reason to have doubts about further dialogue.”
“The path towards peace requires a recognition in the US that respectful dialogue, and not reckless coercion, is the only sustainable way forward. The choice is America’s. Will the US finally choose diplomacy? Or will it remain ensnared in someone else’s war?” the Iranian foreign minister said.