The Iranian regime’s foreign minister has stated that Tehran is ready to resume nuclear talks with the West based on the “previous JCPOA formula,” which, according to him, involves “building confidence in Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.”
Abbas Araqchi, speaking during a trip to China in an interview with the CCTV network, which was broadcast by Iranian media on Friday, January 3, described the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as the result of “good-faith negotiations” and called the U.S. withdrawal from the deal a “major strategic mistake.”
He further emphasized that diplomatic solutions remain viable and stated that the new U.S. administration must formulate its policy, upon which Iran will make its decisions accordingly.
The Iranian regime’s foreign minister also highlighted the “constructive role” of China and Russia in past negotiations and called for continued cooperation.
He also referenced developments over the past 10 years, reaffirming that Iran is prepared for constructive negotiations to reach a new agreement and expressed hope that diplomatic efforts would lead to a favorable outcome.
Donald Trump, the newly elected President of the United States, repeatedly stressed during his recent election campaign that he would reinstate the “maximum pressure” policy against the Iranian regime and criticized the 2015 nuclear deal between world powers and Iran as insufficient, citing its failure to address Iran’s missile program and destabilizing activities in the Middle East.
During his first presidential term, Trump withdrew from the nuclear agreement, known as the JCPOA, which had been brokered under Democratic President Barack Obama.
Some senior U.S. officials have expressed concerns that Iran, weakened by recent developments in the Middle East, may move toward nuclear weapons production.
Iranian Officials Threaten Nuclear Weapon Development; U.S. Considers Strike Options
Meanwhile, senior officials close to Iran’s Supreme Leader and several Iranian parliament members have repeatedly threatened the West with nuclear weapon development.
On Thursday, Axios reported, citing three informed sources, that Joe Biden had recently discussed military options with his national security team, including a possible strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities if Tehran moves toward developing nuclear weapons.
Araqchi, speaking at a press briefing in Portugal on November 28, 2024, warned that if Western countries persist in their threats to reinstate all UN sanctions on Iran, Tehran may shift its strategy toward nuclear weapons development.
However, about 10 days ago, Jake Sullivan, Biden’s National Security Advisor, stated that considering regional shifts and Iran’s weak standing, the Trump administration has a chance to engage diplomatically with Tehran and strike a nuclear deal to restrain Iran’s long-term nuclear ambitions.
