Why it matters:
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. President's envoy, Steve Witkoff, were engaged in the 5th round of indirect negotiations mediated by Oman when the IAEA Board of Governors issued a resolution against Iran.
The big picture:
When the global community was awaiting the next round of talks between Tehran and Washington, scheduled for June 15, 2025, Israel launched a series of unprovoked aggressions on June 13, which suspended the political process.
What he's saying:
A senior Iranian political official, on the condition of anonymity, has told Press TV: " We believe the goal of these talks is to disarm Iran to compensate for Israel’s weakness in the next war. Our information indicates that the U.S. wants negotiations for war, not peace."
“If that’s the case, we’re not interested in wasting our time or others’. We’d rather focus our energy on preparing for war.”
Key points:
- Tehran demands serious and practical guarantees to prevent any talks from becoming a cover for a future military operation.
- Iran is skeptical of U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s role, saying it needs clear proof he is a mediator, not a “catalyst for conflict.”
- Despite serious doubts, Iran is willing to hear out the U.S. one last time, but only if practical steps are taken.
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محمود مجدی
