TEHRAN: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Monday that the country is ready to start nuclear talks on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session in New York if “other parties involved are willing”.
In a video shared on his Telegram channel, Araqchi expressed hope for resuming talks aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear accord, which the United States withdrew from in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump.
The original agreement, established between Iran and six world powers, was designed to limit Tehran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, following the US exit and the subsequent reimposition of stringent sanctions, Iran has progressively reduced its compliance with the deal.
Araqchi indicated his intention to extend his stay in New York beyond that of President Masoud Pezeshkian, emphasizing the importance of dialogue with various foreign ministers. “I will stay in New York for a few more days than the president and will have more meetings with various foreign ministers.”
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He stated, “We will focus our efforts on starting a new round of talks regarding the nuclear pact.” Despite expressing a readiness to negotiate, he acknowledged that “current international conditions make the resumption of talks more complicated and difficult than before.”
Iranian leaders have been vocal about their desire to see an easing of US sanctions, which have severely impacted the Iranian economy. However, the atmosphere has become increasingly strained, particularly following the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7 and Iran’s growing support for Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The Biden administration has responded to Iran’s overtures by stating that the United States is not prepared to resume nuclear talks at this time.
Indirect talks between the US and Tehran to revive the deal have stalled. Iran is still part of the agreement but it has decreased its commitments due to US sanctions imposed on it.
