Iran reaffirms its red lines in nuclear talks.. second round expected soon
Iran reiterated on Saturday its red lines in negotiations with the United States, stressing that its missile program lies outside the scope of any talks.
Tehran also announced that although no date has yet been set for the second round of discussions with Washington, both sides agree on the need to hold it in the near future.
On Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the indirect negotiations with the United States were “a good start,” while emphasizing that uranium enrichment is an undeniable right of Iran and that the missile program will not be subject to negotiation.
Quoted by the Fars News Agency, Araghchi said in media remarks in Doha, the Qatari capital, that the recent talks between Tehran and Washington constituted “a good beginning,” but added that the road to building trust between the two sides remains long.
He explained that the negotiations were conducted indirectly and focused exclusively on the nuclear file, stressing that the issue of “zero enrichment” is fundamentally outside the framework of the talks and that Iran does not accept this option.
The Iranian foreign minister also stated: “Enrichment is an absolute right for us and must continue.”
Araghchi considered that “even military attacks have failed to eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities,” while noting that Tehran is prepared to reach an agreement that would alleviate concerns over enrichment and provide the necessary guarantees.
He further affirmed that Iran’s missile program is defensive in nature and will not be open to negotiation, neither now nor in the future.
He pointed out that the negotiation process must be free from any threats or pressure, expressing Iran’s hope that the United States will adopt such an approach.
According to the Iranian minister, it is essential to continue dialogue, explaining that the goal of the negotiations should be to reach a “fair outcome based on mutual interests,” which requires confidence-building and realistic talks between the two parties.
Emphasizing diplomacy, Araghchi said that the negotiating table is the only path to resolving Iran’s nuclear file. He added that enrichment levels are determined by domestic needs and that exporting enriched uranium out of the country is unlikely.
Future of the talks
Regarding the future of the talks, the Iranian foreign minister announced that although a precise date for the second round has not yet been set, Tehran and Washington agree on the need to hold the meeting as soon as possible.
He also noted that despite the indirect nature of Friday’s negotiations, there was an opportunity for a meeting and a handshake between him and members of the American delegation.
In closing, Araghchi stressed that the specter of war is always present and that Iran, while fully prepared for military confrontation, will do everything possible to prevent the outbreak of any conflict.
He said: “We do not attack neighboring countries; rather, American bases are targeted, and there is a very significant difference between the two.”
On Friday, US President Donald Trump praised “very good” talks with Iran following a round of indirect negotiations held in the Sultanate of Oman, stating that the two sides would meet again “early next week.”
