Iran signals conditional willingness for US nuclear talks

By Gizem Nisa Cebi

ISTANBUL (AA) - Iran has indicated a potential willingness to engage in nuclear negotiations with the US, but only if discussions focus solely on concerns about the militarization of its nuclear program, according to Iran’s UN mission.

"If the objective of negotiations is to address concerns vis-a-vis any potential militarization of Iran’s nuclear program, such discussions may be subject to consideration," the statement read in a post on X on Sunday.

However, the mission firmly rejected any prospect of talks aimed at curtailing Tehran’s broader nuclear activities, adding: "Should the aim be the dismantlement of Iran’s peaceful nuclear program ... such negotiations will never take place."

The statement followed remarks by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who on Saturday dismissed US efforts to bring Iran back to the negotiating table, accusing Washington of making unacceptable demands.

"They are bringing up new demands that certainly will not be accepted by Iran, like our defense capabilities, missile range, and international influence," Khamenei was quoted as saying by state media.

US President Donald Trump, speaking to Fox Business Network on Friday, reaffirmed his desire to strike a nuclear deal with Iran, confirming that he had sent a letter proposing talks with Tehran.

His administration has continued to impose economic pressure on Iran, reviving the "maximum pressure" campaign from his first term to curb Iran’s oil exports and limit its global influence.

Since Trump withdrew the US from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, Iran has significantly expanded its uranium enrichment beyond the agreement’s original limits.

International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi has warned that diplomatic efforts are running out of time as Iran moves closer to weapons-grade enrichment.