Iran is seeking a "peaceful" nuclear agreement with the United States to resolve a longstanding dispute but will not compromise on its national security, Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Tuesday.
The United States, along with its European allies and Israel, accuses Tehran of using its nuclear programme as a cover to develop weapons capabilities. Iran insists that its nuclear programme is solely for peaceful purposes.
In October, President Donald Trump stated that the United States was ready to negotiate with Iran when Tehran was prepared, adding, "The hand of friendship and cooperation (with Iran) is open."
Washington accused of sending contradictory messages
Speaking at the 12th Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate, Khatibzadeh claimed that Washington was sending contradictory signals to Tehran regarding nuclear talks, often through third-party countries.
The two nations held five rounds of nuclear talks before a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel in June, during which the United States joined the conflict by targeting key Iranian nuclear sites.
Reiterating Tehran's stance, Khatibzadeh accused Washington of "betraying diplomacy," noting that nuclear negotiations have stalled since the June war.
Significant differences remain between the two countries, particularly regarding uranium enrichment on Iranian soil. The United States insists on reducing it to zero to minimise the risk of weaponisation, a plan Tehran has rejected.
Supreme leader ruled out negotiations
Last week, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say on crucial state matters such as foreign policy and Iran’s nuclear programme, ruled out negotiations with the United States under coercion.
"Tehran is not seeking nuclear weapons and is prepared to provide assurances to the world regarding this. We are very proud of our indigenous nuclear programme," Khatibzadeh said.
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