Iran's FM: US Policy Change Needed for Nuclear Talks

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that negotiations with the U.S. are impossible unless Washington alters its 'maximum pressure' policy. This comes in response to a letter from President Donald Trump offering talks on a new nuclear agreement, which Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed as deceptive. Araqchi indicated that Tehran would issue a formal response soon, addressing both the threats and opportunities presented in Trump's message. He emphasized that Iran's refusal to engage in direct negotiations stems from historical experiences, particularly the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and subsequent sanctions that crippled Iran's economy. While he acknowledged that the 2015 agreement could serve as a basis for future negotiations, he asserted that its original terms are no longer in Iran's interest due to advancements in its nuclear program. The Iranian government continues to express a preference for indirect negotiations rather than direct talks with the U.S.