Iran says defence programme not up for negotiation in nuclear talks

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Iran has made clear it will not include its defence capabilities in any future talks over its nuclear programme, as diplomatic contacts resume following the June conflict with Israel

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei told reporters on Monday that “Iran’s defensive capabilities will never be subject to negotiations.” He also confirmed there are currently no International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors inside Iran, though a visit by senior IAEA official Massimo Aparo is expected within 10 days.

Iran’s parliament had previously limited cooperation with the agency. Baqaei said further steps will be considered after Aparo’s visit.

Diplomatic contacts between Iran, the UK, France, and Germany were held in Istanbul in May. Indirect talks between Tehran and Washington, mediated by Oman, were disrupted after Israel’s 13 June strikes on Iran, which triggered nearly two weeks of cross-border attacks.

The fighting ended with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on 24 June.

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