CNN
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Iran is willing to participate in fair and equitable nuclear talks with the United States amid growing tension between the two nations, but will not allow itself to be imposed, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared this Friday.
“Under no circumstances are we willing to accept impositions,” Araghchi declared at a press conference during a visit to Istanbul with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. “However, Iran is willing to participate in any diplomatic process that is meaningful, logical and fair.”
It is unclear when or in what format any potential talks could take place. Araghchi stated that no meeting has been arranged with the United States, although he warned that such talks cannot “take place under threat.”
He also ruled out the possibility of Tehran entering into negotiations over what he called the country’s “defensive capabilities” as well as its missile program. “I believe that no country is willing to compromise its own security or its national defense,” he said.
The announcement comes after new threats from Washington. On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump urged Iran to sign what he called an “equitable” nuclear deal or face another possible US military attack.
Trump declared Thursday that he has held talks with Iranian leaders and plans to continue talking.
“I have maintained them and I plan to continue doing so,” he declared when asked about the status of his talks with Tehran. “We have a lot of very large, powerful ships sailing towards Iran right now, and it would be great if we didn’t have to use them.”
Trump did not specify who he spoke to, but he did describe the message he conveyed. “I told them two things,” he declared. “Number one, no nuclear power. And number two, stop killing protesters.”
Thousands of protesters died during recent anti-government protests in Iran following strong repression by the Iranian regime.
Araghchi declared this Friday that Iran is “ready to rejoin nuclear negotiations,” while reiterating Tehran’s position that his country’s nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
“The necessary preparations must first be established: the format, venue and agenda of the talks,” he added.
During Araghchi’s trip to Istanbul, Türkiye expressed willingness to “take a facilitating role” between Iran and the United States to help reduce tension.
The offer was made during a call between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian, the Turkish presidency said Friday.
Iran’s president says there would be “total war” if the supreme leader is attacked by the US.
“The leaders addressed bilateral relations between Türkiye and Iran and the escalation of military tensions in the region,” the Turkish presidency stated in a statement on Friday.
Upon arrival in Istanbul, Araghchi acknowledged that regional problems are “extremely serious at the moment and that we face great challenges.”
“The declared objectives of the United States and other countries require us to maintain closer consultations, review regional developments and coordinate our positions,” Araghchi told reporters.
CNN’s Gul Tuysuz and Kevin Liptak contributed to this report.
What are Iran’s conditions for engaging in dialog with the United States?
Table of Contents
- 1. What are Iran’s conditions for engaging in dialog with the United States?
- 2. Iran’s Stance on US Dialogue: A Detailed Analysis
- 3. Conditions for Dialogue: Sovereignty and Non-Imposition
- 4. The Missile Program: A Non-Negotiable Issue
- 5. Ancient Context: Past Negotiations and Current Challenges
- 6. Implications for Regional Stability
- 7. The Role of International Mediation
- 8. Case Study: The Swiss Humanitarian Trade Arrangement (SHTA)
Iran’s Stance on US Dialogue: A Detailed Analysis
Recent statements from Iran’s Chancellor indicate a willingness to engage in dialogue with the United States, but firmly under specific conditions. This advancement marks a potentially significant shift in the complex relationship between the two nations, yet underscores persistent red lines regarding sovereignty and national security. Understanding these nuances is crucial for interpreting the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and international relations.
Conditions for Dialogue: Sovereignty and Non-Imposition
The core message conveyed by the Chancellor centers on Iran’s refusal to accept imposed conditions during any potential negotiations. This stance reflects a long-held principle of Iranian foreign policy – the defense of national sovereignty.
* Rejection of External Pressure: Iran views external pressure tactics, including sanctions and threats, as counterproductive to constructive dialogue. Any meaningful conversation, according to Iranian officials, must be based on mutual respect and equality.
* Emphasis on Mutual Interests: The Chancellor highlighted the importance of identifying areas of shared interest as a foundation for discussion. These could include regional stability, counter-terrorism efforts, and potentially, a return to a revised nuclear agreement.
* Domestic Considerations: Any agreement reached would need to align with Iran’s internal political dynamics and national interests, making concessions on core principles unlikely.
The Missile Program: A Non-Negotiable Issue
A key element of Iran’s firm position is the non-negotiability of its ballistic missile program. This program is considered vital for Iran’s defense strategy and deterrence capabilities.
* Strategic Deterrence: Iranian officials consistently argue that the missile program serves as a deterrent against potential aggressors in the region and beyond. They view it as essential for maintaining regional security balance.
* Indigenous Development: The missile program is a source of national pride, representing Iran’s advancements in indigenous technology and military capabilities.
* Regional Power dynamics: The missile program is inextricably linked to Iran’s broader regional ambitions and its role as a key player in the Middle East. Attempts to curtail the program are seen as an effort to undermine Iran’s influence.
Ancient Context: Past Negotiations and Current Challenges
The current situation builds upon a history of fraught negotiations between Iran and the US, particularly concerning Iran’s nuclear program.
* The JCPOA (Joint Thorough Plan of action): The 2015 nuclear deal,which limited Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief,remains a point of contention. The US withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018 under the previous administration significantly escalated tensions.
* Sanctions and Economic Impact: US sanctions have had a severe impact on the Iranian economy, exacerbating social and political challenges within the country.
* Regional Conflicts: Iran’s involvement in regional conflicts, such as those in Syria and Yemen, has further intricate its relationship with the US and its allies.
Implications for Regional Stability
Iran’s willingness to engage in dialogue, while conditional, could have significant implications for regional stability.
* De-escalation Potential: Direct talks between Iran and the US could potentially de-escalate tensions and reduce the risk of miscalculation or conflict.
* Proxy Conflicts: Dialogue could create opportunities to address regional proxy conflicts and promote a more peaceful resolution of disputes.
* Nuclear Concerns: A renewed focus on the nuclear issue could lead to a more comprehensive and enduring agreement, addressing concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The Role of International Mediation
The involvement of international mediators, such as Oman, Qatar, and the European Union, could play a crucial role in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the US.
* Oman’s Historical Role: Oman has historically served as a discreet channel for communication between Iran and the US, and could again play a mediating role.
* Qatar’s Diplomatic Efforts: Qatar has also been actively involved in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.
* EU’s Continued Engagement: The European Union remains committed to preserving the JCPOA and facilitating dialogue between all parties involved.
Case Study: The Swiss Humanitarian Trade Arrangement (SHTA)
The SHTA,established in 2019,provides a mechanism for facilitating the export of
