Iran Open to Talks on Nuclear Program Militarization, But Not Dismantlement

Iran Open to Talks on Nuclear Program Militarization, But Not Dismantlement

Iran has indicated a willingness to engage in negotiations with the United States, but only if the talks are focused on concerns regarding the potential militarization of its nuclear program.

In a statement released on Sunday, Iran's UN mission declared that "If the objective of negotiations is to address concerns vis-à-vis any potential militarization of Iran's nuclear program, such discussions may be subject to consideration."

This statement comes after Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, rejected talks with the US, citing concerns that they would be used to impose restrictions on Iran's missile program and regional influence. Khamenei's remarks followed a letter from President Donald Trump seeking a new deal with Tehran to limit its nuclear program and replace the nuclear deal he withdrew from during his first term.

While Iran is open to discussions on the militarization of its nuclear program, it has emphasized that it will not negotiate away its peaceful nuclear program. The statement from Iran's UN mission stressed that "should the aim be the dismantlement of Iran's peaceful nuclear program to claim that what Obama failed to achieve has now been accomplished, such negotiations will never take place."

This development comes amidst heightened tensions in the region. Both Israel and the United States have warned that they will not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon, raising concerns of a potential military confrontation. Additionally, tensions remain high with the US over sanctions and with Israel as a fragile ceasefire holds in its conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.