No Deal Yet: Iran Clarifies No Agreement on Restarting Nuclear Talks with US

Tehran (The Uttam Hindu): Iran's Foreign Minister Saeed Abbas Araghchi has claimed that no arrangements or commitments have been made to resume talks with the US. The agency has given this information quoting state broadcaster IRIB. In an interview with the broadcaster on Thursday, Araghchi said that the possibility of resuming talks is being considered, but it will depend on whether Tehran's national interests are protected.

"Our decisions will be based solely on Iran's interests. If our interests require a return to negotiations, we will consider it. But at this stage, no agreements or promises have been made and no talks have taken place," he said.

Araghchi accused Washington of deceiving Iran during the previous round of talks on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal and lifting US sanctions. The Iranian diplomat also confirmed that the law suspending cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog has become binding after parliament approved it with the Guardian Council, the top constitutional oversight body. "This law is now mandatory and will be implemented. Our cooperation with the IAEA will take a new shape," he said.

Araghchi also said the damage caused by the 12-day war with Israel was "serious" and experts from the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran were carrying out a detailed assessment. He said the question of seeking compensation was high on the government's agenda. The conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched air strikes on several targets in Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, killing several senior commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians. The attacks came just days before Iran and the United States resumed indirect nuclear talks in Muscat, Oman, on June 15.

In response, Iran launched waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel, causing casualties and damage. On Saturday, the US Air Force attacked three key Iranian nuclear sites. In retaliation, Iran fired missiles at the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Monday. The 12-day conflict ended with a ceasefire between Iran and Israel on Tuesday.

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