Iran Weighs Participation in Next Round of Indirect Talks with U.S.: Araqchi
Tehran, The Gulf Observer: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated on Wednesday that Tehran is currently evaluating whether to take part in the next round of indirect negotiations with the United States, cautioning that Washington’s excessive demands could seriously undermine the diplomatic process.
Speaking to reporters in Tehran, Araqchi stressed that Iran has already addressed what he described as “unreasonable demands” from U.S. officials, and warned that unrealistic expectations would obstruct any meaningful progress in the ongoing talks.
“Enrichment will continue with or without an agreement,” Araqchi affirmed. “However, if the parties wish for transparency regarding Iran’s peaceful nuclear program, we are ready. In return, discussions must take place regarding the removal of the cruel sanctions imposed due to unfounded allegations against our nuclear program, and these sanctions must be lifted.”
When questioned about Iran’s participation in the upcoming fifth round of negotiations, Araqchi said, “We are assessing whether or not to participate in the next round of negotiations.”
He reiterated Iran’s consistent rejection of disproportionate demands at the negotiating table but emphasized that the country has never turned its back on diplomacy.
The comments follow remarks made over the weekend by Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy and lead negotiator, who asserted that no deal would be possible unless Iran entirely abandoned its uranium enrichment activities.
In a related development, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, on Tuesday denounced the U.S. demands as “excessive” and warned that the negotiations were unlikely to succeed if such positions persisted.
The ongoing talks are aimed at reviving diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Washington, particularly in relation to Iran’s nuclear activities and the lifting of U.S.-imposed sanctions. However, deep divisions remain over key issues, notably uranium enrichment and sanctions relief.
