Why it matters:
Iran was in the middle of the indirect talks the U.S. when Israel started a military attack on Iran's residential areas, the U.S. joined the attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities which were under the close supervision of the IAEA.
Flashback:
The JCPOA was a landmark nuclear agreement reached in July 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 countries (United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China) plus Germany, with the European Union acting as coordinator. But, the U.S. left the agreement unilaterally in 2018.
What he’s saying:
Araghchi: “We are prepared to enter fair and balanced negotiations over our nuclear program.”
“We are currently in talks with three European countries, and discussions with the IAEA are underway to establish a new framework for cooperation.”
“If they believe they can achieve through diplomacy what they failed to gain through military force, such talks will not take place.”
“Any new negotiations cannot resemble the previous ones. Our position on avoiding direct talks with the U.S. has not changed.”
Go deeper:
Podcast: Iran Sets Clear Red Line: No Talks Without U.S. Compensation for Aggression
Neda Sajjadi - ahmad shirzadian
