Astana, Kazakhstan :Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has stated that the door to the resumption of nuclear negotiations remains open, but emphasized that genuine intentions from the United States are essential for any progress. Speaking during an interview on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ meeting, Araqchi reiterated that Iran’s nuclear program remains entirely peaceful and that diplomacy, not coercion, is the only path forward.
His comments come amid heightened regional tensions and global scrutiny over Iran’s nuclear capabilities, strained US-Iran relations, and continued Israeli military threats. The Iranian diplomat advocated for a balanced, negotiated solution that ensures security and economic relief for Iran while addressing Western concerns.
A Call for Honest Diplomacy
Abbas Araqchi, one of Iran’s most experienced nuclear negotiators and former deputy foreign minister, stressed that Tehran is open to returning to the negotiating table. However, he made it clear that any such engagement must be based on mutual respect and honest diplomatic intent, particularly from Washington.
“We are not opposed to negotiations. In fact, Iran has always shown flexibility,” said Araqchi. “But for talks to be meaningful and fruitful, the US must come to the table with sincerity, not threats or economic pressure.”
Araqchi criticized the policy of maximum pressure implemented by previous US administrations, arguing that unilateral sanctions and aggressive posturing have eroded trust between the two nations.
The 2015 Nuclear Deal: A Diplomatic Milestone Undone
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), more commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, was signed in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 (the US, UK, France, China, Russia, and Germany). The landmark agreement aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.
Araqchi described the 2015 deal as a model of successful diplomacy, stating:
“The JCPOA was a win-win agreement that showcased how complex issues can be resolved through negotiations. Abandoning it was a strategic mistake.”
However, in 2018, then-US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the accord, reinstating harsh sanctions on Iran. Tehran, in response, began scaling back its commitments under the deal, including increasing uranium enrichment and restricting access for international inspectors.
Since then, efforts to restore the JCPOA have remained in limbo, despite brief momentum during the Biden administration. Talks in Vienna and other European capitals faltered amid mutual distrust and disagreements over sequencing and sanctions relief.
Iran’s Nuclear Program: “Peaceful and Within Legal Limits”
Araqchi strongly defended Iran’s right to pursue nuclear technology for civilian purposes, insisting that the country’s nuclear program is transparent and under international supervision.
“Iran remains committed to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT),” he noted. “Our nuclear energy ambitions are geared toward medical, industrial, and energy-related uses. There is no military dimension to our program.”
This assertion has long been contested by Israel and some Western powers, who argue that Iran’s enrichment of uranium beyond 60% raises suspicions about potential weapons development. Iran has consistently denied these allegations.
Israel’s Aggression and Iran’s Stance on War
The Iranian foreign minister also addressed the escalating tensions with Israel, accusing it of imposing an “unjustified war” on Iran. His remarks referenced a series of covert and overt military confrontations, including the assassination of Iranian scientists, drone strikes on Iranian infrastructure, and tit-for-tat cyberattacks.
“Iran has never sought conflict, especially with regional neighbors,” said Araqchi. “But we will not remain passive if our sovereignty is violated. Any future aggression will be met with full and forceful retaliation.”
His comments reflect Iran’s hardened stance in recent months, particularly following Israeli strikes on suspected Iranian assets in Syria and Lebanon. Analysts believe that Iran is pursuing a policy of strategic deterrence, combining diplomatic outreach with a military readiness posture.
SCO Summit: A Platform for Multilateral Dialogue
The interview took place during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit — a multilateral gathering that includes key players like China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and Central Asian republics. Iran was granted full membership in the SCO in 2021, and its role has steadily grown within the forum.
Araqchi praised the SCO as an inclusive platform for resolving global conflicts through dialogue rather than domination. He called on member states to play a greater role in mediating the nuclear standoff and balancing Western pressure.
“Regional organizations like the SCO can provide a neutral environment for negotiations, free from the influence of unilateral agendas,” he added.
Global Reactions: A Mixed Bag
United States
In Washington, the response to Araqchi’s remarks was cautious. A State Department spokesperson stated that the US remains open to diplomacy but continues to expect full compliance from Iran as a precondition for lifting sanctions.
European Union
The European Union, which has played a pivotal role in facilitating past talks, welcomed the statement. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said, “Iran’s willingness to engage in talks is encouraging. All sides must show flexibility and commitment to restoring the JCPOA.”
Israel
Israel, on the other hand, remains adamantly opposed to any negotiations that do not completely dismantle Iran’s nuclear capability. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s right to “act independently” to neutralize what it sees as existential threats.
What’s at Stake: Regional and Global Stability
The stakes surrounding the Iran nuclear issue are monumental. A renewed nuclear deal could unlock billions of dollars in frozen assets, facilitate oil exports, and reduce tensions in the Middle East, particularly the Persian Gulf, where US and Iranian forces frequently operate in close proximity.
Failure to reach a diplomatic solution, however, increases the risk of a broader regional conflict — one that could draw in global powers and further destabilize global energy markets.
Key Barriers to Resuming Nuclear Talks
- Lack of Trust: Years of broken agreements and shifting political climates have left both Iran and the US skeptical of each other’s motives.
- Sanctions Relief Sequencing: Iran demands the lifting of all economic sanctions as a prerequisite to returning to compliance, while the US insists on verifiable rollback of nuclear activities first.
- Regional Issues: The US and its allies also want the talks to cover Iran’s ballistic missile program and regional influence — a red line for Tehran.
- Israeli Factor: Israel’s strong opposition and potential preemptive actions complicate the diplomatic landscape.
Moving Forward: What Needs to Happen
Abbas Araqchi’s remarks serve as a signal that Iran is not closing the door on diplomacy — but is also not willing to resume talks under pressure or threat. A successful return to negotiations will require:
- Good-faith engagement from Washington, including potential confidence-building measures like limited sanctions relief or humanitarian assistance.
- Multilateral facilitation, possibly through the SCO, EU, or neutral third-party nations.
- Mutual guarantees, ensuring that any future agreement is binding and resilient to political changes in the US or Iran.
Final Thoughts: A Moment of Diplomatic Opportunity
While the situation remains delicate, Abbas Araqchi’s statements may mark the beginning of a new diplomatic chapter — one in which Iran seeks to leverage its regional partnerships and international platforms like the SCO to break the current impasse.
As global tensions rise and conflict hotspots multiply, the revival of the Iran nuclear deal could serve as a powerful reminder that diplomacy — when pursued sincerely — can still triumph over hostility.
