Iran's foreign minister says Tehran ready to resume nuclear talks with U.S.
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Jan. 30 in Istanbul, Turkey. Photo: Burak Kara/Getty Images
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said at a press conference Friday that Iran is ready to resume nuclear talks with the U.S. but stressed the Trump administration needs to stop threatening an attack against Iran.
Why it matters: President Trump has ordered a massive U.S. military buildup in the Gulf ahead of a possible strike against Iran. White House officials say Trump hasn't made a final decision and is still willing to explore a diplomatic solution.
- "I have had and I am planning on it," Trump told reporters on Thursday evening when asked if he is talking to the Iranians. "I told them: Number one no nuclear and number two stop killing protesters."
Driving the news: Araghchi's new remarks came at a press conference with his Turkish counterpart in Ankara. In recent days, Turkey has been the leading mediator trying to facilitate direct negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.
- Trump's close relationship with Turkish President Erdoğan, as well as Turkey's key role in the Gaza ceasefire agreement and in Syria, has made it one of the closest U.S. allies in the region.
- Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia also passed messages between the parties in an effort to de-escalate the situation.
- At the moment, there are no serious direct negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. U.S. officials say Tehran doesn't seem interested in a deal based on the U.S. terms.
Behind the scenes: Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan said he spoke at length Thursday with the White House envoy ahead of Araghchi's visit.
- While the U.S. list of demands from Iran has multiple elements, Fidan said that his advice is to start with nuclear negotiations.
- "We call on the U.S. and Iran to come to the negotiating table to resolve their issues," Fidan said at the press conference after his meeting with Araghchi.
What they're saying: Araghchi said there is currently no plan to meet or talk with U.S. officials, but stressed Turkey and other countries are working on a "framework" for potential talks.
- Araghchi said he discussed with Fidan the possible venue and agenda for talks with the Trump administration. "I hope we can soon reach a clear framework that can guarantee dignified negotiations," Araghchi said.
- "We need to see the conditions and the agenda first," Araghchi said, adding that any negotiations need to be "fair and equitable."
- He stressed that Iran will not negotiate over its ballistic missile program and said Iran is ready for both scenarios — war or diplomacy.
Go deeper: Trump warns Iran "time is running out" for talks, threatens "far worse" attack
