Iran Sets Strict Conditions for Nuclear Talks with the US

Tehran July 12 2025 — Iran has declared it will only reenter nuclear negotiations with the United States if strict preconditions are met signaling a shift from past rejections but setting a high bar for diplomacy

Demands for Security Guarantees
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that Tehran is open to resuming nuclear talks with Washington but only if it receives firm guarantees that no further military strikes will occur during negotiations This follows a wave of attacks including a 12day Israeli campaign targeting Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure and a subsequent US strike on June 22 2025 .
These actions have seriously undermined mutual trust Araghchi said in an interview with local media There can be no negotiation under the threat of force .
The military strikes have already had diplomatic consequences Iran suspended its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA expelled nuclear inspectors and accused both Israel and the United States of sabotaging the possibility of diplomatic engagement Araghchi stressed that the US must acknowledge responsibility for past actions and prove it is ready to change its behavior .

Conditions on Inspections and Site Safety

Iran has since passed new legislation that places stringent limits on future IAEA inspections The law requires each inspection request to be vetted and approved by Irans Supreme National Security Council Araghchi cited concerns about radioactive contamination and unexploded munitions at damaged nuclear sites stating that inspector safety must be ensured before access is granted .
He further noted that Iran may seek financial compensation for damage to its nuclear infrastructure caused by the recent strikes Restitution is not only a right but a necessary step toward rebuilding trust he stated .

Uranium Enrichment A Red Line

Perhaps the most uncompromising stance is Irans insistence on its right to enrich uranium Tehran maintains that enrichment for peaceful purposes such as medical isotopes and civilian energy is permitted under the Nuclear NonProliferation Treaty NPT and is therefore nonnegotiable .
This position stands in stark contrast with the demands of the US and Israel both of which have repeatedly stated that a full halt to enrichment must be a core element of any future agreement We will not cross that red line said Araghchi Our sovereignty and our scientific progress are not on the negotiating table .

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Rejection of Russias Zero Enrichment Proposal

In a surprising twist Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly proposed a nuclear deal that would require Iran to abandon uranium enrichment altogether While Russia has often acted as a diplomatic bridge between Iran and Western powers Tehran unequivocally rejected the idea Iranian officials reiterated that no deal would be accepted if it violated their right to nuclear development within peaceful bounds .

European Pressure and the Snapback Sanctions Threat

The socalled E3 Britain France and Germany have also increased pressure on Tehran They have warned that unless Iran resumes cooperation with the IAEA and clarifies its nuclear objectives they could invoke the snapback provision of the 2015 nuclear deal reinstating UN sanctions .
Araghchi responded by cautioning that such a move would signal the end of European participation in any nuclear dialogue Snapback would eliminate what little trust remains he warned .

Diplomatic Freeze and Military Overhang

Diplomatic efforts which had resumed indirectly through mediators in Oman and Europe earlier this year came to a halt following the June strikes Araghchi said that while Iran is not against diplomacy any talks must be wellstructured with predefined terms including timing location agenda and security assurances .
Privately US President Donald Trump has reportedly told Israeli leaders he supports diplomacy but will not oppose further military actions if Iran crosses the threshold toward nuclear weaponization .

Conclusion A Fragile Window for Peace

Irans new stance demanding guarantees and legal assurances rather than rejecting talks outright offers a narrow diplomatic opening However the road ahead is fraught with obstacles The US and its allies demand strict curbs on enrichment and transparency while Iran insists on sovereignty restitution and security .
With regional tensions high and the 2015 nuclear agreement hanging by a thread the coming weeks may determine whether diplomacy survives or collapses under the weight of mistrust and military confrontation .