Foreign Minister Araghchi says Tehran awaits respectful approach as intermediaries push for talks
Iran has indicated its willingness to resume nuclear negotiations with the United States, provided discussions are conducted with mutual respect, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told the Guardian in a recent interview.
Speaking at a security conference in Tehran, Araghchi revealed that intermediaries have submitted fresh proposals to restart dialogue with the Trump administration. He emphasized that diplomatic solutions remain the only viable path forward, though Iran maintains it will never relinquish what it considers its fundamental right to domestic uranium enrichment.
The comments come months after a devastating 12-day conflict in June that saw Israeli forces, backed by the United States, strike Iranian nuclear facilities. The attacks brought an abrupt end to five rounds of negotiations that had been progressing between Washington and Tehran.
A Delicate Balance
Araghchi faces a complex diplomatic challenge: signaling openness to talks while avoiding any appearance of negotiating from weakness. He repeatedly stressed that Iran emerged from the June attacks with enhanced military capabilities and stronger national resolve.
“Diplomacy can still be alive and remains the ultimate solution to resolve disputes, but its criteria, rules and principles must be adhered to,” Araghchi stated. “If they speak to the Iranian people with the language of dignity and respect, they will receive a response in the same language.”
The foreign minister pushed back against suggestions that Iran had abandoned diplomatic efforts, instead arguing that Western powers had consistently attempted to impose their terms during previous negotiations.
The Path That Almost Was
Before talks collapsed in June, Iranian officials believe they had reached what they termed a breakthrough solution to the enrichment deadlock. The proposed arrangement would have established an international consortium, including American participation, to oversee uranium enrichment on Iranian soil.
This framework would have allowed both sides to declare success: Iran could maintain domestic enrichment operations while the US gained assurance that Tehran’s nuclear program served exclusively peaceful purposes. Iranian sources claim agreement was reached three times with Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, only to unravel due to opposition within Washington.
While Iranian officials now say this consortium proposal is no longer available, observers suggest it could resurface in modified form should negotiations resume.
Obstacles to Restarting Dialogue
Despite President Trump’s recent claims of receiving messages indicating Iran’s interest in renewed talks, Iranian officials privately report they have yet to receive clear, coherent proposals from Washington. Regional mediators including Qatar, Egypt, Oman, and Saudi Arabia have also not conveyed substantive offers.
Araghchi noted that security concerns currently prevent Iran from allowing UN nuclear inspectors access to the bombed facilities. He maintained that Iran operates no undeclared nuclear sites.
Trust remains a significant barrier. Tehran remains convinced that the Israeli strikes were conducted with full US coordination and advance knowledge, making restoration of confidence between the parties particularly challenging.
Defiant Messaging
In his conference address, which characterized the United States as a hegemonic power that distorts international law, Araghchi argued that the June conflict demonstrated military action cannot resolve the dispute. He noted the war began with American demands for unconditional Iranian surrender but ended with an unconditional ceasefire call.
The foreign minister expressed confidence in Iran’s recovery efforts: “Our nuclear technology, which they intended to destroy, remains in place. The facilities and equipment, if destroyed, will be rebuilt; what is important is the will of the Iranian people.”
Following the attacks, European nations exercised their right to reimpose UN-wide sanctions, though Iranian officials contend these measures have produced limited impact.
As both sides assess their positions, the fundamental question remains whether Washington and Tehran can find common ground that respects what each considers non-negotiable interests.
