Iran Prepared for Nuclear Talks at UN ‘If Other Parties Are Willing,’ Says Foreign Minister

DUBAI – Iran is prepared to initiate nuclear negotiations during the U.N. General Assembly in New York, contingent upon the willingness of other parties, according to Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi’s recent video statement.

The U.S. exited the nuclear agreement in 2018, a deal established in 2015 between Iran and six world powers, which had allowed Tehran to limit its controversial nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions.

Efforts to revive the agreement through indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran have come to a standstill. Although Iran remains officially part of the deal, it has reduced its commitments due to the reimposition of U.S. sanctions.

Araqchi indicated that he would extend his stay in New York beyond the Iranian president’s visit to engage in further discussions with various foreign ministers, aiming to initiate a new round of talks on the nuclear pact. He noted that communications have been facilitated through Switzerland, resulting in a "general declaration of readiness." However, he warned that "current international conditions make the resumption of talks more complicated and difficult than before."

Furthermore, Araqchi stated that he would not meet with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, expressing that such a dialogue would not be beneficial. Although there have been prior meetings, he believes the present circumstances do not provide a suitable foundation for direct discussions.

Since the reintroduction of U.S. sanctions during the Trump administration, Tehran has largely refrained from negotiating directly with Washington, opting instead to engage through European or Arab intermediaries.

Iranian officials are seeking relief from U.S. sanctions that have severely impacted the country’s economy. Relations between Iran and the West have further deteriorated following recent attacks by the Iranian-backed militant group Hamas in southern Israel and as Iran has increased its military support for Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The Biden administration has stated that the United States is not prepared to resume nuclear negotiations with Iran at this time.