"We will never go back to square one": Iran sets firm conditions for US nuclear talks
Tehran spokesperson Esmail Baghaei declares Iran will not return to square one in nuclear talks, citing past experiences and economic warfare.
In a powerful diplomatic stance, Tehran has made it clear that while it remains open to negotiating its nuclear program with the United States, the era of returning to outdated baselines is over. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei asserted that any future dialogue must account for the lessons learned and the realities shaped by years of tension and sanctions.
No Reset on Past Grievances
Speaking on Monday amidst rising Middle East tensions, Baghaei rejected the notion that diplomacy could simply restart from its original starting point. He emphasized that the experiences of the last two years have fundamentally changed Iran's position.
"We will never go back to square one. Can you ignore the experiences of the past two years and then say that we are back to square one? Every day that passes, we will definitely use its experience, both in terms of strengthening our own capabilities and in terms of learning from the other side’s lapses," Baghaei stated.
The spokesperson highlighted that Tehran views diplomacy not as a sign of weakness, but as a strategic tool equal to its national defence capabilities. He noted that while Iran will never run away from the negotiating table, it will use every available tool to secure its national interests.
Accusations of Economic Warfare
Baghaei pointed to a perceived contradiction in Western strategy, arguing that the United States and its allies are attempting to negotiate while simultaneously engaging in economic warfare. He argued that the current deadlock is a result of previous actions taken by Western powers.
Key points raised by the spokesperson include:
- Blame for Deadlock: Baghaei blamed the party that "destroyed the negotiating table" in the middle of previous discussions.
- Contradictory Tactics: He questioned how nations can claim to seek diplomacy while escalating economic pressure and maintaining conditions of war.
- Nuclear Non-Proliferation: Addressing concerns about Iran potentially leaving the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), he suggested these fears were self-inflicted by Western actions.
The End of the Cairo Agreement
When asked about the "Cairo Agreement"—a framework previously negotiated between Iran's Foreign Minister and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief—Baghaei signaled that the opportunity had passed. He described the agreement as a part of history, suggesting that the opposing parties failed to appreciate the chance it presented.
Mediation and Global Context
While acknowledging the diplomatic efforts of friendly nations, Baghaei clarified the technical channels for communication. He noted that while discussions have occurred involving Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, Pakistan and Qatar remain the primary mediators between Iran and the United States.
The remarks come at a high-stakes moment. While President Putin has suggested that the scope for diplomacy is "far from exhausted," US President Donald Trump has maintained a hardline stance, suggesting the conflict will end either through military pressure or an agreement strictly on Washington's terms.