Iran Halts Nuclear Talks, Focuses on Human Rights Amid UN Sanctions

Iran has stated it will not immediately resume nuclear talks with European nations after sanctions were reimposed, signaling a shift in negotiation dynamics and a reduced role for European powers. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi characterized cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as "no longer relevant" under the current circumstances, calling the recent Cairo Agreement outdated, although he suggested there remains some room for diplomacy. While Iran is ready to pursue solutions to build trust over its nuclear program, it described existing cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog as insufficient. Tehran has also dismissed President Donald Trump's 2025 offer, which proposed suspending its nuclear program in exchange for cooperation, particularly rejecting conditions to limit missile ranges as unacceptable and detrimental to national defense. Iranian leadership views U.S. overtures as coercive rather than genuine negotiations, with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei labeling direct talks with Washington as futile. Despite tensions and sanctions, Iranian officials emphasize that diplomacy remains the only viable path forward, although the negotiation format and involved parties have evolved.