no-nuclear-talks-possible-with-us-under-pressure-says-iran

Iran has rejected any negotiations over its nuclear programme while under external pressure or sanctions, Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said during a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Tehran.

 

Speaking on Tuesday, Araghchi reiterated that Iran would not engage in direct talks with the United States unless Washington ends its “maximum pressure” campaign of economic sanctions, according to Xinhua news agency.

 

He said negotiations under threats and sanctions were “meaningless” and stressed that Tehran had been engaged in “close consultations” with Moscow regarding efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

 

The US withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 under former President Donald Trump and reimposed tough sanctions on Iran, prompting Tehran to gradually scale back its commitments under the agreement.

 

Talks to restore the accord began in 2021 but have since stalled without major progress.

 

Lavrov, reaffirming Russia’s support for diplomatic efforts, said the crisis surrounding the nuclear deal was “not created by Iran.” He called for a resolution free from threats or coercion, insisting that diplomatic avenues still existed to salvage the agreement.

 

Moscow, he added, remained committed to supporting solutions that would allow a return to the deal’s original terms.

 

Beyond nuclear negotiations, the two ministers discussed ongoing regional conflicts, particularly in Gaza and Syria.

 

Iran reiterated its support for Syria’s territorial integrity, while Lavrov emphasised the need for international cooperation in addressing regional security challenges.

 

Describing his discussions with Araghchi as “comprehensive, fruitful, and constructive,” Lavrov pointed to a significant increase in trade between the two countries, highlighting a 13 per cent rise in bilateral commerce in 2024.

 

He also criticised the imposition of unilateral sanctions on Iran, calling them “unacceptable.” Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation to counter the economic impact of such measures.