Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that talks with the U.S. on its nuclear program are pointless under the current pressure tactics. He emphasized the need for constructive dialogue and criticized the inconsistency in U.S. positions. Both Iran and the U.K. have expressed hopes for improved diplomatic relations moving forward.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, declared that direct negotiations with the United States regarding Iran’s peaceful nuclear program are futile under the prevailing “maximum pressure” policy combined with military threats. His comments came during a phone conversation with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Araghchi highlighted the inconsistent messages from U.S. officials and criticized the use of diplomacy as leverage for political and psychological pressure against Iran.
The term “maximum pressure” refers to the policy reinstated by President Trump, which was initially introduced in 2016. This strategy not only led to the U.S. withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear agreement but also reimposed severe sanctions on Iran. The original agreement involved Iran curtailing its nuclear activities in exchange for the easing of economic sanctions imposed by Western nations.
In a concerning move, Trump announced on March 7 that he called for nuclear negotiations while simultaneously threatening military action against Iran. Araghchi expressed disappointment at European nations and the European Union for their unhelpful stances, particularly the imposition of sanctions on Iran based on unfounded claims. He urged these nations to reconsider their strategies regarding Iran and the broader West Asian region.
During the phone conversation, both Araghchi and Lammy acknowledged the resumption of work by their respective ambassadors in London and Tehran, expressing optimism that this would enhance bilateral relations. They discussed mutual consular matters, stressing the importance of maintaining open communication channels to address various bilateral issues and global topics of mutual interest.
In summary, Iran has firmly rejected the possibility of direct negotiations with the United States under the pressure of military threats and the maximum pressure policy. The historical context of the nuclear agreement and the imposition of sanctions play a significant role in these diplomatic tensions. Furthermore, both Iranian and British officials have recognized the necessity of ongoing dialogue, particularly regarding consular issues and the future of bilateral relations.
Original Source: www.presstv.ir
