Tehran Will Pursue Nuclear Talks Once U.S. Rebuilds Trust, Says Official
Iran, European Powers Convene in Istanbul for High‑Level Talks
On Friday, Iran will host a summit in Istanbul that brings together representatives from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the European Union’s deputy foreign policy commissioner. The meeting aims to deepen dialogue and explore collaborative pathways on key geopolitical issues.
Participants
- Britain – Delegation led by the UK’s diplomatic envoy
- France – French diplomatic team on strategic initiatives
- Germany – German officials focusing on security and trade
- European Union – Deputy Foreign Policy Commissioner representing EU interests
Objectives
- Enhance mutual understanding on regional stability.
- Discuss economic cooperation and potential sanctions relief.
- Address security concerns surrounding east‑mediterranean dynamics.
Context
The gathering follows a series of tentative talks that have kept the international community attentive to Iran’s stance on nuclear policy and international trade regulations. The summit hopes to build on previous diplomatic efforts and set a constructive tone for future negotiations.
Iran Opens Dialogue, Demands Trust from U.S.
In a statement released Thursday, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced that Tehran is prepared to enter negotiations with Washington, but only if the United States takes tangible steps to restore confidence.
Upcoming Talks in Istanbul
Iran will convene a meeting in Istanbul on Friday with the European “E3” countries—Britain, France, and Germany—as well as the deputy foreign policy commissioner of the European Union. These talks will be the first since the 12‑day confrontation with Israel in June, during which U.S. B‑52 bombers targeted Iranian nuclear sites.
Core Conditions for Negotiation
Gharibabadi laid out several key principles that must be honoured for any dialogue to proceed:
- Rebuilding Trust – Iran claims it has no trust in the U.S. and calls for actions aimed at restoring confidence.
- No Hidden Agendas – The talks must not serve as a pretext for covert military actions. Iran remains ready to address any threat.
- Respect for NPT Rights – Iran seeks recognition of its rights under the Non‑Proliferation Treaty, including the ability to enrich uranium to meet legitimate needs.
- Sanctions Relief – Lifting of existing sanctions is essential to give the negotiations tangible benefits.
These requirements underline Iran’s intention to engage in constructive dialogue while ensuring that all commitments are genuinely upheld.
Iran Sets Stage for Crucial IAEA Governing Board Meeting
Deputy Foreign Minister Arrives in Vienna
On 21 November 2019, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi made his way to Vienna in anticipation of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s board of governors session. The meeting, scheduled for Friday, will convene at the deputy ministerial level, with Iran represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht‑e Ravanchi. A comparable diplomatic engagement took place in Istanbul the previous May.
High‑Profile Stakes in the Discussions
- European officials have signaled their readiness to activate the “snapback” mechanism stipulated in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). This would reinstate sanctions that had been lifted in exchange for Iran’s acceptance of restrictions and enhanced monitoring of its nuclear program.
- The United Kingdom, France, and Germany—initial signatories of the JCPOA—stand poised to trigger these sanctions, citing concerns that the agreement had lost its effectiveness after the United States withdrew in 2018 under President Donald Trump’s administration.
- Iran has cautioned that re‑imposing sanctions could compel Tehran to abandon key non‑proliferation commitments, jeopardizing its international standing and future diplomatic flexibility.
Official Caution from Iran’s Diplomatic Corps
Earlier this week, Gharibabadi warned that sanction reinstatement may force Iran to retreat from significant non‑proliferation accords. In a formal letter to UN Secretary‑General António Guterres, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the “E3” countries for what he described as hypocrisy. He argued that while they have failed to adhere to their JCPOA responsibilities, they have openly backed Israel’s recent military operations against Iran.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming IAEA session will likely shape the trajectory of Iran’s nuclear negotiations and global diplomatic posture. Stakeholders on all sides remain on edge as they grapple with the delicate balance of security, compliance, and accountability.
Mourning in Tehran: The Funeral of Lost Generals and Scientists
On 28 June 2025, the streets of Tehran were filled with mourners as the nation mourned the loss of senior military commanders and nuclear researchers targeted during recent Israeli strikes.
Backdrop of the Escalated Conflict
- US B‑52 bombers participated in Israel’s air campaign, striking Iranian nuclear sites.
- Iran replied with a missile offensive, notably striking a U.S. base in Qatar.
- President Masoud Pezeshkian clarified that the Qatari strike was not aimed at the Qatari state itself.
President Pezeshkian’s Statements in the Media
During a Wednesday interview with Al Jazeera, Pezeshkian declared Iran’s readiness for a potential new conflict and accused Israel of an attempt to assassinate him amid a 15 June National Security Council meeting in Tehran.
He reiterated:
- Iran will persist with its nuclear program in compliance with international law.
- The country has no ambitions to acquire nuclear weapons.
Emphasis on Scientific Determination and Diplomatic Integrity
Pezeshkian said, “Our nuclear capabilities are held within the minds of our scientists.” He stressed the necessity for future negotiations to be built on mutual respect rather than threats.
Conclusion
The nation’s collective grief underscores a stark reality: amid pursuit of nuclear ambitions and heightened geopolitical tensions, the international community must seek paths of understanding grounded in shared legality and respect.
Anti‑War Protesters Respond to U.S. Air Strikes in Los Angeles
On 22 June 2025, demonstrators gathered outside the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles carrying signs opposing the recent U.S. air attacks on Iran. The event highlighted growing tensions between the United States and Iran over the latter’s nuclear program.
Casualties Among Iranian Nuclear Scientists
- At least 13 Iranian nuclear scientists reported killed during the recent clashes with Israel.
- The deaths were confirmed by Mizan, Iran’s official judicial news agency.
Statements from Iranian Nuclear Authorities
Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesperson for Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation, assured the global community that the country’s nuclear sector would recover:
- “The nuclear industry is deeply rooted. What has roots cannot be harmed by attack or pressure—it will grow back and thrive again,” he said, reflecting resilience in the face of international pressure.
IAEA Update on Iran’s Uranium Stockpile
In a May report, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) indicated that Iran had increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60%:
- The material now weighs over 400 kilograms, just below weapons‑grade concentration, raising West‑side concerns.
Diplomatic Stances and IAEA Cooperation
- Despite the heightened stockpile, Iran remains open to diplomacy, although it has recently suspended cooperation with the IAEA.
- The suspension follows new legislation signed by President Pezeshkian, which critics claim undermines international safeguards.
