Iran rejects U.S. pressure in nuclear talks, warns Isreal is undermining diplomacy
Araghchi characterized the talks as an initial test of mutual trust and seriousness
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed that Iran rejects Washington’s demand for zero uranium enrichment and stressed that Iran’s missile capabilities and regional policies are not open to negotiation.
Following indirect talks between Iran and the United States held in Oman on February 6, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addressed the media on February 8 to outline Tehran’s stance on the nuclear negotiations and broader regional issues.
According to Araghchi, the discussions were limited strictly to nuclear-related matters and are now being assessed by both sides to determine whether further engagement will take place.
He reaffirmed that Iran rejects Washington’s demand for zero uranium enrichment and stressed that Iran’s missile capabilities and regional policies are not open to negotiation.
Araghchi characterized the talks as an initial test of mutual trust and seriousness, noting that while certain gestures from the United States suggested goodwill, ongoing sanctions and recent military activities have raised doubts about Washington’s true intentions.
“The main barrier to reaching an agreement lies in the unrealistic expectations of the other party,” he said, emphasizing that any meaningful progress depends on the removal of U.S. sanctions.
Meanwhile, Iranian political analysts have expressed cautious optimism, acknowledging that the talks offer a potential opening for diplomacy but warning that the risk of military escalation has not been eliminated. They called on both sides to adopt a clear and balanced framework to prevent miscalculations.
Another analyst highlighted Israel’s destabilizing influence as a possible challenge to the negotiations, cautioning that while the United States may rely on low-cost pressure tactics to extract concessions, Iran must remain alert to external attempts to derail the diplomatic process.
Iranian officials have reiterated that any future negotiations will be approached carefully, guided by past experiences to safeguard the country’s fundamental interests.