Tehran Open to Conditional Nuclear Talks with Washington
Iran has signaled a potential breakthrough in its tense relationship with the United States, offering a glimmer of hope for diplomacy. The country announced on Monday its willingness to engage in indirect nuclear negotiations with Washington, though it firmly rejected direct talks. This development comes after President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum for a new nuclear deal, escalating pressure on Tehran.
Indirect Talks: A Conditional Olive Branch
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that while Iran is open to indirect discussions, direct negotiations remain off the table. Specifically, he stated that progress depends on a shift in Washington’s stance toward the Islamic Republic. For now, Tehran appears ready to explore diplomacy, but only on its own terms, maintaining a cautious yet pragmatic approach amid heightened tensions.
A History of Nuclear Tensions
The backdrop to this announcement is a long-standing rift. During Trump’s first term, the United States withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, reimposing stringent sanctions on Iran. That agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, had lifted sanctions in exchange for limits on Iran’s nuclear program. However, Western nations, led by the U.S., have long accused Tehran of pursuing nuclear weapons—a charge Iran consistently denies, asserting its activities are purely civilian, particularly for energy purposes.
Trump’s Ultimatum and Tehran’s Response
Earlier this month, on March 7, Trump reportedly sent a message to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging talks while warning of potential military action if Tehran refused. Consequently, Iran’s latest statement reflects a delicate balancing act—openness to dialogue but with clear red lines. As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, hopeful yet wary of the prospects for de-escalation.
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