Iran is open to resuming talks with the United States over its nuclear program — but only if Washington takes concrete steps to rebuild trust, a senior Iranian diplomat said Thursday. The statement comes ahead of a high-stakes meeting between Iranian and European officials, the first since a brief but intense 12-day war in June between Iran and Israel, which also involved U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Diplomatic Engagement — With Conditions
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated in a social media post that Tehran would consider re-engaging with Washington if “key principles” are respected, including the lifting of U.S. sanctions and recognition of Iran’s rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty — particularly its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.
“There can be no room for hidden agendas such as military action,” Gharibabadi wrote, while also warning that Iran remains “fully prepared for any scenario.”
First Talks Since War
The upcoming talks in Istanbul will bring together representatives from Iran and the E3 nations — the UK, France, and Germany — along with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. This will be the first such meeting since the June ceasefire ended a deadly exchange of hostilities, which reportedly killed 13 Iranian nuclear scientists and saw U.S. B-52 bombers hit nuclear-related targets in Iran.
Iran will be represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-e Ravanchi, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the meeting is crucial to reaffirm Iran’s unwavering nuclear stance.
“Our enrichment will continue. We will not give up this right of the Iranian people,” Araghchi said in a televised statement, referencing the 60% uranium enrichment level Iran had reached before the conflict — just below weapons-grade.
Western Pressure and Snapback Threats
European leaders have threatened to activate the “snapback” provision in the 2015 nuclear deal, which would reinstate sanctions lifted under the agreement. The U.S. withdrew from the pact in 2018 under President Donald Trump, claiming it was too lenient.
Iran, in turn, has warned of consequences if sanctions are reimposed. Gharibabadi hinted that such a move could force Iran to withdraw from other non-proliferation commitments.
In a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Araghchi accused the E3 of “hypocrisy” for failing to uphold their commitments under the deal while turning a blind eye to Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Pezeshkian: No Retreat, No Weapons
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian insisted Iran’s nuclear ambitions remain peaceful, though he confirmed that Iran is “prepared for another war” if provoked. He also accused Israel of attempting to assassinate him during a June 15 national security meeting in Tehran.
“Our nuclear capability lies in the minds of our scientists,” Pezeshkian said. “We don’t seek weapons. But we demand respect, not threats, in future negotiations.”
Aftermath and Outlook
Though the full extent of damage from the war remains unclear, Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization vowed to rebuild. Spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi told state media: “Our nuclear industry is deeply rooted — it will grow back and thrive again.”
The International Atomic Energy Agency reported in May that Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% now exceeds 400 kilograms — a figure that continues to raise alarm in the West. Iran has since suspended cooperation with the IAEA under emergency legislation signed by Pezeshkian after the conflict.
As talks resume in Istanbul, European officials stress the urgency of a diplomatic breakthrough — but warn the window for a peaceful resolution is narrowing.
