Tehran's deputy foreign minister insists that US military actions must cease to resume talks, as the situation surrounding Iran's nuclear program remains precarious.
US Must Prioritize Diplomacy Over Military Action in Iran, Urges Official
US Must Prioritize Diplomacy Over Military Action in Iran, Urges Official
Tehran urges the US to abandon military aggression to facilitate diplomatic discussions as tensions escalate.
Tehran’s deputy foreign minister, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, has issued a strong call for the United States to clearly reject further military actions against Iran if they wish to resume diplomatic negotiations. In an interview, Takht-Ravanchi noted that while the Trump administration expressed interest in returning to the negotiation table via intermediaries, it remained ambiguous about its stance on military strikes during discussions—a crucial point for Iran’s willingness to engage.
The conflict, heightened by Israel’s military operations that commenced on June 13, disrupted the planned sixth round of indirect talks with Iran, scheduled for two days later in Muscat. The situation escalated when the US joined the conflict last weekend by targeting three Iranian nuclear sites in a bombing raid, intensifying the hostilities that saw Iran retaliating with missile attacks against Israel.
Takht-Ravanchi emphasized Iran’s intent to continue its peaceful enrichment of uranium amidst accusations of seeking to develop nuclear weapons. He stressed the need for self-reliance in light of being denied access to nuclear research materials, arguing that imposing zero enrichment on Iran equates to a "law of the jungle" mentality.
The deputy foreign minister refrained from providing specific details on the damage inflicted on Iran’s nuclear capabilities by the US bombings, despite contrasting reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and President Trump on the extent of destruction. Rafael Grossi, the IAEA chief, indicated that while the damage was significant, it was not total, asserting that Iran could resume uranium enrichment quickly.
Tensions between Iran and the IAEA have grown, with Iranian parliament members suggesting a suspension of cooperation, accusing the agency of bias towards the US and Israel. Trump's willingness to consider further military action against Iran has left Takht-Ravanchi calling for clarity on US intentions to avoid conflict during potential dialogues.
Takht-Ravanchi expressed skepticism regarding the prospects of reinstating Iran's nuclear discussions, questioning the purpose of any proposed dialogue and the conditions attached. He reiterated Iran's commitment to its nuclear program, which has expanded beyond the limitations set by the nuclear deal abandoned by Trump in 2018.
The deputy foreign minister criticized Western leaders for their lack of trust in Iran, challenging them to stand up against US and Israeli aggression instead. Takht-Ravanchi clarified that Iran has received assurances that the US does not plan on regime change in Iran but indicated that the tensions could persist unless there is mutual respect and dialogue.
As the ceasefire with Israel endures amidst ongoing hostilities, Takht-Ravanchi asserted Iran's preference for diplomacy over military confrontation and urged caution in light of the recent aggression. He also acknowledged the efforts of Iran's Arab allies in the Persian Gulf to foster dialogue, calling for preparedness against potential future surprises.
