Iran Raises the Stakes Ahead of Nuclear Talks Resumption

According to a report by the Financial Times, Iran, amid a hardened stance, has set new conditions for resuming nuclear talks with the Trump administration. This development comes at a time of escalating regional tensions and dwindling prospects for a diplomatic solution.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that the United States must agree to compensate Iran for losses incurred in the recent conflict. He asserted in statements to the newspaper that Iran would not accept "business as usual" after the recent conflict, which saw limited American intervention.

Iran's Demands: Guarantees and Compensation

Araghchi stressed the need for the United States to provide an explanation for why it "attacked Iran during negotiations" and agree to guarantees that such events will not recur in the future. More importantly, he demanded compensation for damages to Iranian facilities and infrastructure.

Araghchi, who is Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, explained that he exchanged messages with US envoy Steve Witkoff during and after the conflict. He stressed the need to reach a "win-win solution" to break the years-long impasse over Iran's nuclear program.

Challenges to Resuming Negotiations

Araghchi acknowledged that "the path to negotiations is narrow but not impossible." He added that he needs to convince the Iranian leadership that any future negotiations must be conducted with a genuine intention to reach a fair agreement for both parties.

He revealed that Witkoff tried to convince him of the feasibility of negotiations and suggested resuming dialogue. However, the veteran Iranian diplomat stressed Iran's need for "genuine confidence-building measures," including economic compensation and guarantees against repeated attacks.

Mutual Attacks and Escalating Tensions

According to Iranian sources, Israel launched large-scale airstrikes on Iran, targeting nuclear facilities and destroying large parts of Iran's air defense systems, in addition to assassinating military leaders and nuclear scientists. Iran responded by firing missiles and drones at Israel.

Iran also accused the United States of bombing the Fordow and Natanz uranium enrichment facilities and attacking another plant near Isfahan, causing significant damage. Iran confirmed that a third new uranium enrichment plant near Isfahan was also attacked.

Fears of Moving Towards Nuclear Armament

Araghchi pointed out that the recent conflict has strengthened internal opposition to negotiations, with some calling for arming Iran's nuclear program. He stressed that the Iranian regime is committed to a peaceful civilian nuclear program and will remain committed to the religious edict issued by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei 20 years ago, which prohibits the development of nuclear weapons.

Uncertain Future for Negotiations

The future of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States remains unclear, amid Iran's new demands and escalating regional tensions. Iran is unlikely to give up its demand for compensation and guarantees, while the United States insists on its hardline stance towards the Iranian nuclear program.

This situation raises questions about the possibility of reaching a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear crisis and puts the region on the brink of a wider conflict.