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Iran poised to engage in ‘fair, balanced’ nuclear talks with US
Tehran sees ‘no reason’ to resume negotiations with E3
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that Tehran is ready to engage in nuclear negotiations if the United States is prepared for a “fair and balanced dialogue,” while saying that the Islamic Republic sees no grounds for negotiations with Europe.
“Our position towards America has always been clear; if they are ready to negotiate from an equal footing, to achieve common interests based on mutual respect, and if they do not mistake negotiation for dictation and are prepared for a fair and balanced dialogue, we too will be ready to engage in such negotiations,” Araghchi said in a televised interview on Saturday.
However, he said that due to the reimposition of international sanctions under pressure by the US and three European parties to the 2015 nuclear deal, Tehran does not see any basis to start new negotiations unless a proposal is presented that can secure Iran’s interests. “In that case, we will definitely consider it,” Araghchi said.
Confidence-building measures
The Islamic Republic, the official said, was ready, as in the past, to work towards confidence-building and ensuring transparency to prove the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities.
“Provided that, in return, they also build trust with us and lift the unjust sanctions they have imposed.”
Therefore, in order for fresh talks to take place, the US should “not mistake negotiation for dictation” of its preferences, he added.
The Iranian top diplomat addressed US President Donald Trump’s having tried to tie other issues with the issue of talks concerning Iran’s nuclear energy program.
He ruled out any connection between the two matters.
“We have always stated firmly that our negotiations are limited solely to the nuclear issue,” Araghchi stated.
“Neither in the past nor recently have we ever, ever, held any talks with the Americans or any other party on any matter beyond the nuclear issue, especially as far as the resistance is concerned.”
No talks with E3
Araghchi separately pointed to the issue of the European trio of the UK, France, and Germany’s having proposed fresh talks with Iran.
He noted that the offer came, while the countries in question had triggered the so-called “snapback” mechanism inside the 2015 nuclear deal that has re-imposed nuclear-related sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
“We do not see any grounds for negotiation with the Europeans,” he said, reiterating Tehran’s position that by triggering the mechanism, the Europe had lost its role in the nuclear issue.
“They should give us just one reason why we should negotiate with them again.”
"What can they possibly do, and what positive outcome could such negotiations have?" The three European countries said on Friday that they will seek to restart stalled nuclear talks with Iran and the United States. "We are determined to reinitiate negotiations with Iran and the United States towards a comprehensive, durable and verifiable agreement that ensures Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon," they said.
The European countries activated a so-called “snapback” mechanism of the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran – a move that triggered the re-imposition of sanctions against Iran in September.
Since then, relations between Tehran and the three countries have hit a new low.