Tehran: The US must rule out any further strikes on Iran if it wants to resume diplomatic talks, Tehran's deputy foreign minister has told the BBC. Majid Takht-Ravanchi stated that the Trump administration has communicated through mediators its desire to return to negotiations this week but has not clarified its stance on the "very important question" of further attacks while talks are underway.
According to BBC, the discussions between the US and Iran over Iran's nuclear program were disrupted when Israel launched strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and military infrastructure earlier this month, prompting Iran to respond with missile attacks. The deputy foreign minister emphasized that while discussions about the level and capacity of enrichment could take place, the notion of zero enrichment under threat of bombing was unacceptable, equating it to "the law of the jungle."
The escalation began on 13 June when Israel targeted nuclear and military sites in Iran, citing Tehran's proximity to developing a nuclear weapon. Iran retaliated by attacking Israel, leading to 12 days of hostilities during which the US bombed three of Iran’s nuclear sites: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. The extent of the damage remains unclear, with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) describing it as severe but "not total," while US President Donald Trump claimed Iran's nuclear facilities were "totally obliterated."
Tensions between Iran and the IAEA have increased, with Iran's parliament moving to suspend cooperation with the agency, accusing it of siding with the US and Israel. Trump has expressed that he would "absolutely" consider further strikes if intelligence indicated Iran could enrich uranium to concerning levels. Takht-Ravanchi stated that no date has been set for potential talks and expressed uncertainty about the agenda, following Trump's suggestion that discussions could occur this week.
Iran's deputy foreign minister questioned the possibility of aggression during dialogue, urging the US to be clear on this issue and what it would offer to build necessary confidence for dialogue. When asked if Iran might reconsider its nuclear program as part of any deal, possibly for sanctions relief and investment, he questioned the rationale for such a proposal, reiterating that Iran's program, including enriching uranium to 60%, was for peaceful purposes.
The 2015 nuclear deal restricted Iran from enriching uranium above 3.67% purity and prohibited enrichment at Fordo for 15 years. However, Trump abandoned the agreement in 2018, citing inadequate prevention of a pathway to a bomb, and reinstated sanctions. Iran responded by breaching restrictions, resuming enrichment at Fordo in 2021, and reaching about 60% enrichment—a technical step from weapons grade.
Takht-Ravanchi criticized European leaders for endorsing US and Israeli strikes, suggesting critics of Iran's program should instead criticize US and Israeli actions. He also mentioned that the US conveyed through mediators that it does not aim for regime change in Iran by targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging Iranians to dismantle clerical rule, Trump stated post-ceasefire he did not share this aim.
He affirmed Iran's unity against foreign aggression and expressed uncertainty about the ceasefire with Israel but committed to observing it as long as no military attack occurs. Takht-Ravanchi acknowledged the efforts of Iran's Arab allies in the Persian Gulf, notably Qatar's role in brokering the ceasefire, emphasizing Iran's preference for dialogue and diplomacy over war, while remaining cautious to avoid surprise attacks.