TEHRAN: Iran has reiterated its willingness to engage in discussions over its nuclear programme, provided Western countries demonstrate seriousness, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei on Thursday. Tehran urged a “realistic approach” from the West, including the new U.S. administration under President Donald Trump.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized during a phone call with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi the importance of avoiding politicization of nuclear issues. He called for cooperation in a “technical and forward-looking atmosphere” while urging Grossi to resist “unreasonable demands” from Western countries. Grossi expressed a commitment to fostering constructive engagement.
Tehran’s stance comes amid growing tensions over its nuclear activities, with Western nations accusing Iran of amassing enriched uranium to “unprecedented levels” without credible civilian justification. Baqaei warned that any reimposition of sanctions could lead Iran to reconsider its adherence to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Iran has remained open to reviving the 2015 nuclear deal but emphasized that further steps depend on Western actions. The previous deal faltered after the U.S. withdrawal in 2018 under Trump’s “maximum pressure” policy. Efforts to revive the pact have since stagnated, though recent talks were described as “frank and constructive.”
