As tensions escalate, Iran demands clear assurances from the United States against further military strikes as preconditions for resuming discussions on its nuclear program.
US Must Pledge No New Strikes to Relieve Tensions with Iran Before Diplomatic Talks, Says Tehran
US Must Pledge No New Strikes to Relieve Tensions with Iran Before Diplomatic Talks, Says Tehran
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister asserts that US must end military aggressions for fruitful negotiations regarding nuclear issues.
In a recent interview with the BBC, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi emphasized the need for the United States to unequivocally renounce any future military strikes on Iran if diplomatic negotiations are to be considered. Takht-Ravanchi mentioned that even though the Trump administration hinted at a desire to return to talks this week, they have yet to clarify their stance on the potential for continued attacks during negotiations.
The bilateral dialogue on Iran's nuclear program faced turmoil following recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting retaliatory missile attacks from Iran. The US joined the fray in late June by bombing Iranian nuclear sites, raising the stakes in the ongoing conflict. Takht-Ravanchi reiterated Iran's objective to maintain uranium enrichment for peaceful purposes, firmly rejecting claims of developing nuclear weapons capabilities.
He characterized the demands for zero enrichment coupled with threats of military action as lawlessness. Amidst rising violence, reports indicated that Israeli strikes have resulted in considerable casualties on both sides, with Iran contending that around 935 individuals have died from the attacks since mid-June.
While the effects of the US bombings on Iran's nuclear progression remain unclear, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) noted that the damage was significant but not catastrophic. Despite a strained relationship with the IAEA, Iran's cooperative stance under the previous nuclear deal has become increasingly tenuous as its parliament has moved to limit cooperation amidst accusations of bias toward the US and Israel.
Takht-Ravanchi pointed out that the absence of a clear agenda or timeline for resuming talks raises concerns about a cycle of aggression, claiming the US must offer assurances of dialogue without the shadow of military aggression. He also rejected possible negotiations surrounding Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, asserting their nuclear ambitions are strictly peaceful.
He maintained that Western criticism of Iran should also be directed at the US and Israel for their aggressive tactics, advocating for a reassessment of how international relationships are formed and discussions held. Furthermore, he expressed confidence that the Iranian populace would unite against foreign aggression, irrespective of domestic criticisms of government actions.
With a fragile ceasefire in place, he noted Iran’s intent to cooperate as long as hostilities do not resume and indicated that their regional allies are working to set the stage for productive talks. Takht-Ravanchi ultimately affirmed that while Iran seeks diplomacy, it remains vigilant, wary of repeated surprises from military aggressors.
In the backdrop of these geopolitical tumult and discussions, Iranian media restrictions impact information dissemination, as illustrated by the situation surrounding the BBC's reporting from Tehran, signaling the complexities of covering such sensitive global dialogues and tensions.
The bilateral dialogue on Iran's nuclear program faced turmoil following recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting retaliatory missile attacks from Iran. The US joined the fray in late June by bombing Iranian nuclear sites, raising the stakes in the ongoing conflict. Takht-Ravanchi reiterated Iran's objective to maintain uranium enrichment for peaceful purposes, firmly rejecting claims of developing nuclear weapons capabilities.
He characterized the demands for zero enrichment coupled with threats of military action as lawlessness. Amidst rising violence, reports indicated that Israeli strikes have resulted in considerable casualties on both sides, with Iran contending that around 935 individuals have died from the attacks since mid-June.
While the effects of the US bombings on Iran's nuclear progression remain unclear, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) noted that the damage was significant but not catastrophic. Despite a strained relationship with the IAEA, Iran's cooperative stance under the previous nuclear deal has become increasingly tenuous as its parliament has moved to limit cooperation amidst accusations of bias toward the US and Israel.
Takht-Ravanchi pointed out that the absence of a clear agenda or timeline for resuming talks raises concerns about a cycle of aggression, claiming the US must offer assurances of dialogue without the shadow of military aggression. He also rejected possible negotiations surrounding Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, asserting their nuclear ambitions are strictly peaceful.
He maintained that Western criticism of Iran should also be directed at the US and Israel for their aggressive tactics, advocating for a reassessment of how international relationships are formed and discussions held. Furthermore, he expressed confidence that the Iranian populace would unite against foreign aggression, irrespective of domestic criticisms of government actions.
With a fragile ceasefire in place, he noted Iran’s intent to cooperate as long as hostilities do not resume and indicated that their regional allies are working to set the stage for productive talks. Takht-Ravanchi ultimately affirmed that while Iran seeks diplomacy, it remains vigilant, wary of repeated surprises from military aggressors.
In the backdrop of these geopolitical tumult and discussions, Iranian media restrictions impact information dissemination, as illustrated by the situation surrounding the BBC's reporting from Tehran, signaling the complexities of covering such sensitive global dialogues and tensions.
