Tehran demands clarity from Washington on military actions if dialogues are to resume amidst heightened tensions following recent attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.
US Must Cease Strikes for Diplomatic Talks, Iranian Official States
US Must Cease Strikes for Diplomatic Talks, Iranian Official States
Iran's deputy foreign minister sends a clear message to the US that further military strikes must be withdrawn for meaningful negotiation.
In a statement to the BBC, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran's deputy foreign minister, emphasized that for the US to embark on diplomatic conversations with Tehran, it must rule out any future military strikes. The recent surge in violence, marked by US airstrikes and Israeli military actions aimed at Iran, has created an atmosphere of distrust surrounding negotiations.
Takht-Ravanchi asserted that while the Trump administration expressed interest in re-engaging diplomatically “this week,” it failed to clarify its stance on ongoing military aggression against Iran, which remains a significant concern for Iranian officials. "Are we going to see a repetition of an act of aggression while we are engaging in dialogue?" he questioned, stressing the need for confidence-building measures.
He detailed the backdrop of escalating tensions, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian military facilities beginning on June 13, followed by Iran’s missile responses. On June 21, the US officially entered the conflict, bombarding three Iranian nuclear sites, escalating fears surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Despite ongoing military strikes, the extent of damage incurred to Iran's nuclear program remains uncertain, yet concerns about nuclear capabilities continue to loom large.
The IAEA's Rafael Grossi reported damage to Iran’s nuclear sites as severe but not total, and discussed the potential for Iran to resume uranium enrichment within months—an act Iran insists is for peaceful purposes. Takht-Ravanchi, however, rebuffed allegations of Iran's intentions to develop nuclear weapons, stating the importance of accessing nuclear material for enhancements to its research initiatives.
In light of international scrutiny, the political landscape remains fraught with tension. Iran's parliament has moved to suspend collaboration with the IAEA, accusing it of bias. Takht-Ravanchi challenged European critics of Iran’s nuclear program to direct their condemnation at the US and Israel rather than Iran, emphasizing that the perception of threat has resulted from foreign aggression rather than Iranian actions.
The Iranian official indicated a lack of clarity over the future of discussions, noted ongoing regional diplomacy led by Gulf allies, and called for continued engagement, stating, "We want to engage in dialogue and diplomacy, but we have to be prepared."
As Iran maintains a cautious stance regarding the fragile ceasefire established following attacks, Takht-Ravanchi reaffirmed that the nation seeks peace over conflict but remains vigilant against potential surprises.
