Tehran: The US must rule out any further strikes on Iran if it wants to resume diplomatic talks, Tehran's deputy foreign minister has told the BBC. Majid Takht-Ravanchi stated that the Trump administration communicated through mediators its desire to return to negotiations this week, but has yet to clarify its stance on the critical issue of further attacks during the talks.
According to BBC, the US and Iran were involved in discussions over Iran's nuclear program when Israel launched strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and military infrastructure earlier this month, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile attacks. The deputy foreign minister criticized the US for its aggressive posture, likening it to "the law of the jungle," and emphasized the need for a clear US position to facilitate confidence-building for dialogue.
Israel's attacks began on June 13, targeting nuclear and military sites and leading to the assassination of key commanders and scientists in Iran. In response, Iran attacked Israel, resulting in 12 days of hostilities. During this period, the US bombed three Iranian nuclear sites: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. The damage inflicted by the US strikes remains unclear, with Takht-Ravanchi unable to provide an assessment.
Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), noted severe but "not total" damage from the strikes, while US President Donald Trump claimed Iran's nuclear facilities were "totally obliterated." Despite this, Grossi indicated that Iran could resume uranium enrichment within months. Takht-Ravanchi expressed uncertainty about this timeline.
Iran's relationship with the IAEA has deteriorated, with its parliament moving to suspend cooperation with the agency, accusing it of siding with the US and Israel. Trump has stated he would consider further bombings if intelligence suggests Iran could enrich uranium to concerning levels.
Takht-Ravanchi highlighted the absence of an agreed date for potential talks and expressed doubts about the agenda after Trump's suggestion of discussions occurring this week. He stressed the importance of the US addressing the question of aggression during dialogue and what it would offer to build necessary trust.
When questioned about possibly reconsidering Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief and investment, Takht-Ravanchi rejected the notion, reaffirming that Iran's uranium enrichment is for peaceful purposes.
The 2015 nuclear deal restricted Iran to enrichment levels below 3.67% purity and prohibited enrichment at Fordo for 15 years, but Trump withdrew from the agreement in 2018, reinstating sanctions. Iran has since breached these restrictions, with enrichment levels reportedly reaching 60%.
Takht-Ravanchi criticized European leaders for endorsing US and Israeli strikes, urging them to criticize the aggression instead. He also dismissed the idea of regime change in Iran, despite messages from the US indicating no such intention.
Despite Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu urging Iranians to challenge their leadership, Takht-Ravanchi maintained that Iranians, while critical of some government actions, would unite against foreign aggression. He expressed uncertainty about the durability of the ceasefire with Israel but affirmed Iran's commitment to maintaining it as long as there is no military aggression.
He acknowledged efforts by Iran's Arab allies in the Persian Gulf, particularly Qatar, to foster dialogue, emphasizing Iran's preference for diplomacy over war, while also remaining prepared for any surprises.