Iran Open to Nuclear Talks, Refuses to Discuss Missiles

Tehran: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran is willing to talk about its nuclear program but will not negotiate on its missile program.

Araghchi told Al-Jazeera that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful, and the country will not stop uranium enrichment. He said, “What could not be achieved by war cannot be achieved through politics.”

He emphasized that Iran can reach a “fair” nuclear agreement through indirect talks, but refuses direct talks with the United States. Araghchi also criticized Britain, France, and Germany for triggering a “snapback” to restore UN sanctions, calling it unlawful.

Iran has held five rounds of nuclear talks before US-Israeli attacks in June, but it continues to reject demands to include its missile program in any deal.

The minister warned that Iran is prepared for all possibilities and expects hostility from Israel. He said Iran tested its missiles during the June conflict and is ready for any future attack.

Araghchi accused Israel of attacking Iranian oil facilities to expand the war, saying Iran managed to prevent it from spreading. He also claimed Israel acted with US approval and called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a war criminal.

Regarding the US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites, Araghchi said the attacks caused damage, but Iran’s nuclear materials and technology remain intact.

He said that after weeks of retaliation, Iran successfully stopped the conflict and protected the wider region from war.