The US must ensure no further military strikes against Iran if diplomatic dialogues are to resume, according to Tehran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, in an interview with the BBC. This stance comes as the Trump administration has communicated a desire to return to negotiations through intermediaries, yet has not clarified its position on potential military actions during this period of proposed talks.
The backdrop of this diplomatic stalemate includes escalating hostilities following Israel's military campaign initiated on June 13, which disrupted scheduled talks in Muscat just two days later. The US compounded these tensions by directly targeting three Iranian nuclear facilities last weekend. Takht-Ravanchi stressed that any successful negotiations hinge on the US explicitly ruling out further strikes.
The Iranian official maintained that Iran intends to continue enriching uranium for what it describes as peaceful purposes, dismissing allegations that it aims to develop a nuclear bomb. Takht-Ravanchi expressed frustration over claims that Iran should agree to cease enrichment altogether. "To demand zero enrichment on the threat of aggression is tantamount to the law of the jungle," he said.
The conflict escalated following Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites. Reports on the impact of US strikes suggest significant damage but a comprehensive assessment remains elusive. IAEA head Rafael Grossi noted that while extensive, the damage was not total, and asserted that Iran could resume enrichment within months.
The relationship between Iran and the IAEA deteriorated recently, with Iranian parliament actions directed at limiting cooperation with the agency. Meanwhile, former President Trump has left the door open for renewed military action against Iran if deemed necessary.
Amidst ongoing crises, Takht-Ravanchi said there is no scheduled date for negotiations and he remains uncertain about the agenda. He questioned the logic of Iran reconsidering its nuclear strategy in exchange for sanctions relief. "Why should we agree to such a proposal?" he asked, reiterating the peaceful intent behind Iran’s nuclear program.
The historical context of these tensions includes the 2015 nuclear deal, which limited Iran's uranium enrichment but was abandoned by Trump in 2018, leading to heightened sanctions and escalating Iranian nuclear activity. Iran has since resumed enrichment at enhanced levels, raising concerns among global leaders.
Addressing the skepticism from European and Western leaders, Takht-Ravanchi called out their supportive stance toward US and Israeli military actions against Iran and urged criticism of such aggressions. Furthermore, he conveyed that Iran has received indications from the US indicating a lack of intention for regime change in Tehran, even amid calls from Israeli leaders for internal uprisings.
He concluded by expressing some uncertainty regarding the durability of the ceasefire with Israel but underscored Iran's commitment to maintaining peace as long as military provocations cease. Regional allies, particularly Qatar, are working to foster dialogue, with Iran underscoring a clear desire for dialogue while remaining vigilant against further aggression.
Journalist Lyse Doucet reports from Iran under conditions restricting the use of her findings by BBC's Persian service, a rule that applies to all international media within the country.
The backdrop of this diplomatic stalemate includes escalating hostilities following Israel's military campaign initiated on June 13, which disrupted scheduled talks in Muscat just two days later. The US compounded these tensions by directly targeting three Iranian nuclear facilities last weekend. Takht-Ravanchi stressed that any successful negotiations hinge on the US explicitly ruling out further strikes.
The Iranian official maintained that Iran intends to continue enriching uranium for what it describes as peaceful purposes, dismissing allegations that it aims to develop a nuclear bomb. Takht-Ravanchi expressed frustration over claims that Iran should agree to cease enrichment altogether. "To demand zero enrichment on the threat of aggression is tantamount to the law of the jungle," he said.
The conflict escalated following Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites. Reports on the impact of US strikes suggest significant damage but a comprehensive assessment remains elusive. IAEA head Rafael Grossi noted that while extensive, the damage was not total, and asserted that Iran could resume enrichment within months.
The relationship between Iran and the IAEA deteriorated recently, with Iranian parliament actions directed at limiting cooperation with the agency. Meanwhile, former President Trump has left the door open for renewed military action against Iran if deemed necessary.
Amidst ongoing crises, Takht-Ravanchi said there is no scheduled date for negotiations and he remains uncertain about the agenda. He questioned the logic of Iran reconsidering its nuclear strategy in exchange for sanctions relief. "Why should we agree to such a proposal?" he asked, reiterating the peaceful intent behind Iran’s nuclear program.
The historical context of these tensions includes the 2015 nuclear deal, which limited Iran's uranium enrichment but was abandoned by Trump in 2018, leading to heightened sanctions and escalating Iranian nuclear activity. Iran has since resumed enrichment at enhanced levels, raising concerns among global leaders.
Addressing the skepticism from European and Western leaders, Takht-Ravanchi called out their supportive stance toward US and Israeli military actions against Iran and urged criticism of such aggressions. Furthermore, he conveyed that Iran has received indications from the US indicating a lack of intention for regime change in Tehran, even amid calls from Israeli leaders for internal uprisings.
He concluded by expressing some uncertainty regarding the durability of the ceasefire with Israel but underscored Iran's commitment to maintaining peace as long as military provocations cease. Regional allies, particularly Qatar, are working to foster dialogue, with Iran underscoring a clear desire for dialogue while remaining vigilant against further aggression.
Journalist Lyse Doucet reports from Iran under conditions restricting the use of her findings by BBC's Persian service, a rule that applies to all international media within the country.
