US-Iran Relations: A Crossroad Between Strikes and Talks

Amid growing tensions and military strikes, Iran lays down conditions for resuming discussions on its nuclear program, highlighting the necessity of US assurances against further attacks.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, has articulated that the United States must unequivocally reject any further military strikes against Iran if it wishes to reignite diplomatic discussions. In a recent interview with the BBC, Takht-Ravanchi revealed that the Trump administration had signaled interest in resuming negotiations this week through mediators; however, clarity on their stance regarding potential military escalation remains ambiguous.

The backdrop to this diplomatic impasse is a series of military actions, beginning with Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities which Iran responded to with missile attacks. The conflict escalated significantly on June 21, when the US conducted airstrikes targeting three Iranian nuclear sites—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—leading to heightened military strain between all involved parties. Takht-Ravanchi emphasized Iran's right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes, countering allegations that such endeavors are aimed at developing nuclear weapons.

The Iranian minister criticized the US approach, which demands complete cessation of uranium enrichment, likening it to a “law of the jungle.” Recent Israeli assaults have led to substantial casualties in Iran, with reports indicating 935 fatalities from these strikes, while 28 Israeli deaths have been reported from Iranian retaliatory actions since June. The US assertion of having halted Iran's nuclear program has been met with skepticism, with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Rafael Grossi reporting severe, yet not total, damage to the affected sites.

The IAEA's relationship with Iran is growing increasingly strained, as Iran’s parliament has moved to suspend its cooperation, accusing the organization of bias in favor of US and Israeli interests. US President Donald Trump has continued to advocate for military responses should Iran's uranium enrichment reach concerning levels.

With no established timeline for renewed diplomatic talks, Takht-Ravanchi reiterated the necessity for confidence-building measures, questioning what the US would offer to foster a constructive dialogue. He firmly dismissed the idea of reassessing Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, asserting that the program is intended for peaceful applications only.

Under the 2015 nuclear agreement, Iran was restricted from enriching uranium beyond 3.67% to prevent development of nuclear weapons. The US withdrawal from this deal in 2018 exacerbated tensions, resulting in Iran progressively violating the agreement's stipulations. Currently, Iran has reached enrichment levels of around 60%, dangerously close to the weapons-grade threshold.

On the matter of European trust, Takht-Ravanchi expressed disappointment over their perceived complicity with US and Israeli military efforts, advocating for their vocal criticism of both nations’ aggressive strategies. He added that while Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has encouraged dissent against Iran's leadership, the notion of regime change is unrealistic and undesirable.

Despite the frequent military clashes and a fragile ceasefire—which Iran intends to uphold as long as it is not attacked—Takht-Ravanchi emphasized Iran's preference for diplomacy and dialogue, underscoring the importance of preparedness to avoid future surprise attacks. Iran’s allies in the Persian Gulf, especially Qatar, are reportedly seeking ways to create conducive conditions for dialogue.

In closing, Takht-Ravanchi reaffirmed that, contrary to some beliefs, the Iranian populace remains united in the face of external aggression, while the future of peace talks remains dependent on the US's acknowledgment of Iran's sovereign rights and assurances against further military actions.