Iran Conditions Return to Nuclear Talks on U.S. Compensation, Guarantees
TEHRAN — Iran will not return to stalled nuclear negotiations unless the United States and its Israeli ally provide compensation for recent military strikes and offer concrete guarantees against further aggression, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told the Financial Times.
“The path to negotiation is narrow but not impossible,” Araqchi said. “They must first answer for why they attacked us during sensitive talks, and they must commit not to repeat such actions, reported by Tasnim News Agency.”
Araqchi’s remarks refer to coordinated strikes launched on June 13, when Israel assassinated multiple senior Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists in a targeted operation. Days later, U.S. airstrikes reportedly hit three Iranian nuclear facilities, an act Tehran labeled a flagrant violation of international law and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Iran retaliated swiftly, striking Israeli military sites and targeting the U.S. al-Udeid air base in Qatar. By June 24, the conflict had de-escalated, with Israel reportedly seeking a ceasefire under pressure from Iranian counterstrikes.
Though indirect contact with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff continues via intermediaries, trust has eroded. Araqchi stressed that any resumption of talks would require “real confidence-building measures” from Washington, including financial reparations and a firm commitment to avoid future provocations.
“There is deep public opposition in Iran to renewed dialogue,” Araqchi added, noting the lingering anger over the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal under former President Donald Trump. “People are telling me, ‘Don’t waste your time, don’t be fooled again.’”
Prior to the June escalation, five rounds of indirect talks were held with Oman mediating. A sixth round in Muscat, scheduled for June 15, was canceled in the wake of the attacks.
Araqchi also warned European signatories to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — the UK, France, and Germany — that any move to trigger the deal’s snapback sanctions mechanism would end Iran’s engagement with them altogether.
“They can’t lift sanctions. If they initiate snapback, it’s the end of the road,” he said bluntly.
Araqchi reiterated Iran’s red line: it will not accept a demand for zero uranium enrichment. “We are open to negotiation, but not on the basis of surrender,” he concluded.
