**Iran's diplomatic efforts hinge on the US clearly ruling out further military action, amid escalating tensions following recent strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.**
**Iran Demands US Commitment to Cease Strikes for Diplomatic Talks**
**Iran Demands US Commitment to Cease Strikes for Diplomatic Talks**
**Deputy Foreign Minister Takht-Ravanchi emphasizes the need for assurances from the US to halt military actions before resuming negotiations.**
In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi stated that the United States must clearly commit to refraining from further military strikes if it wishes to engage in renewed diplomatic discussions. The remarks follow mediations indicating that the Trump administration is interested in resuming negotiations with Tehran, yet the Iranian official highlighted that the US has not articulated its stance on the critical issue of military aggression.
The escalation follows a series of attacks by Israel, that commenced on June 13, which thwarted an anticipated sixth round of primarily indirect talks scheduled in Muscat just two days later. Most notably, the US engaged in military actions against Iranian nuclear facilities over the past weekend, marking a direct involvement in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.
Iran maintains that its uranium enrichment efforts are for peaceful purposes, a claim countered by accusations suggesting Tehran's movements imply an intention to develop nuclear weaponry. Takht-Ravanchi asserted that Iran’s capability to enrich uranium is essential for its research programs, especially in light of being denied access to nuclear materials globally. He insisted that discussing the level of enrichment should be open, opposing the notion that Iran should not engage in enrichment activities altogether.
Hostilities between Iran and Israel intensified over a 12-day period, leading to Iranian missile strikes against Israel in retaliation. The degree of damage inflicted by US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, particularly Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan, remains partly contested. While Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), acknowledged significant but not complete destruction, President Trump claimed total annihilation of the facilities.
Relations between Iran and the IAEA have soured, with Iranian lawmakers moving to suspend cooperation, accusing the agency of bias in favor of Israel and the US. Takht-Ravanchi did not provide clarity on future discussions, nor on whether Iran would revise its nuclear program as part of any agreement involving sanctions relief.
In addressing articles that question Iran's nuclear intentions, he criticized European leaders for endorsing US and Israeli strikes without recognizing their impacts on Iran’s security. Takht-Ravanchi pointed out that while Iranian citizens may voice criticism against domestic policies, a unified stance emerges in response to foreign aggression.
Notably, tensions have been palpable following Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's call for Iranian citizens to oppose their government. Takht-Ravanchi dismissed this notion, asserting it would not lead to any regime change.
He emphasized Iran's desire for diplomatic dialogue while remaining vigilant against unexpected military actions. Despite recent ceasefire developments, he remained uncertain about the longevity of peace but clarified that Iran would uphold it as long as military aggressions ceased.
As conversations surrounding diplomacy loom, Takht-Ravanchi reiterated the path toward resolving tension lies purely in dialogue and respect for sovereignty, urging all involved to act with caution.
The escalation follows a series of attacks by Israel, that commenced on June 13, which thwarted an anticipated sixth round of primarily indirect talks scheduled in Muscat just two days later. Most notably, the US engaged in military actions against Iranian nuclear facilities over the past weekend, marking a direct involvement in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.
Iran maintains that its uranium enrichment efforts are for peaceful purposes, a claim countered by accusations suggesting Tehran's movements imply an intention to develop nuclear weaponry. Takht-Ravanchi asserted that Iran’s capability to enrich uranium is essential for its research programs, especially in light of being denied access to nuclear materials globally. He insisted that discussing the level of enrichment should be open, opposing the notion that Iran should not engage in enrichment activities altogether.
Hostilities between Iran and Israel intensified over a 12-day period, leading to Iranian missile strikes against Israel in retaliation. The degree of damage inflicted by US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, particularly Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan, remains partly contested. While Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), acknowledged significant but not complete destruction, President Trump claimed total annihilation of the facilities.
Relations between Iran and the IAEA have soured, with Iranian lawmakers moving to suspend cooperation, accusing the agency of bias in favor of Israel and the US. Takht-Ravanchi did not provide clarity on future discussions, nor on whether Iran would revise its nuclear program as part of any agreement involving sanctions relief.
In addressing articles that question Iran's nuclear intentions, he criticized European leaders for endorsing US and Israeli strikes without recognizing their impacts on Iran’s security. Takht-Ravanchi pointed out that while Iranian citizens may voice criticism against domestic policies, a unified stance emerges in response to foreign aggression.
Notably, tensions have been palpable following Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's call for Iranian citizens to oppose their government. Takht-Ravanchi dismissed this notion, asserting it would not lead to any regime change.
He emphasized Iran's desire for diplomatic dialogue while remaining vigilant against unexpected military actions. Despite recent ceasefire developments, he remained uncertain about the longevity of peace but clarified that Iran would uphold it as long as military aggressions ceased.
As conversations surrounding diplomacy loom, Takht-Ravanchi reiterated the path toward resolving tension lies purely in dialogue and respect for sovereignty, urging all involved to act with caution.
