Iran Rejects Direct Nuclear Talks with U.S. Amid New Sanctions
TEHRAN: A day after the United States imposed fresh sanctions on Iran, targeting more than 30 vessels and individuals, including the head of the country’s state oil company, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi ruled out the possibility of direct negotiations with Washington regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
The latest sanctions are part of the U.S. “maximum pressure” strategy, reinstated under former President Donald Trump. Speaking at a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday, Araghchi made it clear that Iran will not engage in direct talks with the U.S. as long as such economic pressure continues.
“There will be no direct negotiations between Iran and the United States on the nuclear issue while sanctions, threats, and pressure remain in place,” Araghchi emphasized.
Iran-Russia Talks on Nuclear Deal and Regional Issues
Lavrov’s visit to Tehran focused on strengthening bilateral ties, regional developments, and discussions surrounding the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers.
During Trump’s presidency, the U.S. withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018, abandoning the framework that had lifted sanctions in exchange for Iran limiting its nuclear activities. Since then, Iran has engaged with Germany, France, and Britain—the E3—to discuss the future of its nuclear program.
Araghchi confirmed that he had updated Lavrov on Iran’s ongoing discussions with the E3. “We will continue to coordinate with our partners in Russia and China on nuclear negotiations,” he stated.
In January, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a strategic partnership agreement aimed at deepening economic and military cooperation. Despite their alliance, both nations faced setbacks in Syria last December when opposition forces overthrew long-time ally Bashar al-Assad, despite Iranian and Russian support during the civil war.
Iran and Russia Align on Syria Strategy
Araghchi reiterated that Iran and Russia maintain closely aligned positions on Syria. “Iran supports peace, stability, territorial integrity, and progress in Syria, in line with the will of its people,” he said.
Lavrov also stressed Russia’s commitment to stabilizing the region. “We will do everything necessary to ensure that the situation in Syria remains under control and does not pose a threat to its people or neighboring countries,” he stated.
