Khatibzadeh Responds to Contradictory U.S. Messages in Nuclear Talks

Khatibzadeh stated that the U.S. has been conveying conflicting signals regarding the nuclear talks through third-party countries.

According to Rokna, citing Reuters, Khatibzadeh, speaking at the 12th Abu Dhabi Strategic Forum, said Iran is willing to achieve a “peaceful nuclear agreement” but will not compromise on matters of national security.

He reaffirmed Tehran’s position that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons and expressed pride in the country’s nuclear program, which is based on domestic capabilities.

Despite Iran’s active participation in the indirect diplomatic process with the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump to reach a negotiated solution limiting Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, the U.S. undermined diplomacy by supporting the aggressive Israeli attack on Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

These attacks occurred during the indirect Tehran-Washington negotiations mediated by Oman on June 12 and concluded with a ceasefire on June 23.

The U.S. President, who has admitted responsibility for the attacks on Iran, claims that Iran desires a deal with Washington.

However, according to Esmaeil Baghai, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “The Americans say they want an agreement, but in reality, they do not want one and take no practical steps toward a deal; on the contrary, they act otherwise.”

He emphasized that the U.S. has demonstrated a lack of goodwill and seriousness in this matter.

The U.S. President, who directly participated in Israel’s aggression against Iran on June 22 by bombing Iran’s nuclear facilities in Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow, claims that these attacks eliminated Iran’s nuclear program and has provocatively demanded zero enrichment in the country.

This is while Iran insists on its right to peaceful nuclear energy and a certain level of enrichment under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Khatibzadeh further stated at the forum that Tehran seeks to advance towards improving relations with neighboring countries in the region.