Iran says US must recalibrate policies to enable nuclear talks

Reuters

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned on Sunday that dialogue with the United States is off the table until Washington makes significant policy changes, according to state media.

Tehran received a letter from Trump earlier this month, giving Iran two months to decide whether to enter new talks or face even tougher sanctions. While Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed the offer as deceptive, Araqchi indicated that Iran would soon respond to both the threats and the opportunities outlined in the letter.

“Talks are not off the table out of stubbornness,” Araqachi said on Sunday, adding that historical experience has shown the need for change. “Washington needs to recalibrate its policy before we take part in any negotiations.” The minister emphasized that the 2015 nuclear pact, in its current form, no longer meets Tehran’s interests due to the significant advances in its nuclear program. “Our nuclear situation has advanced significantly and we can no longer return to previous conditions,” he said, noting that the existing deal cannot simply be revived.

Araqachi also pointed out that the current U.S. sanctions, part of Trump’s aggressive tariff and pressure campaign, contribute to the impasse. Nonetheless, he maintained that the 2015 nuclear agreement could still serve as a useful basis and model for future negotiations if both sides address their respective issues.

Western powers have long accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons by enriching uranium up to 60% purity—a level deemed excessive for civilian purposes. Tehran, however, insists that its nuclear development is solely for peaceful purposes and that it remains committed to its international legal obligations.

As diplomatic tensions persist, Araqachi’s comments underscore Tehran’s readiness to negotiate only if there is a fundamental shift in U.S. policy—a signal that any future talks over Iran’s nuclear program will require substantial concessions from Washington.

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