FM Araghchi: No New Talks, No Compromises
TEHRAN -- Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday clarified the current status of nuclear negotiations and regional diplomatic efforts, stressing that no definitive agreements or dates have been set while reaffirming Iran’s sovereignty and strategic priorities.
Speaking after a cabinet meeting, Araghchi addressed speculation about the next round of talks on Iran’s nuclear program. “No date has been set for the next round of negotiations, and nothing is finalized yet,” he said firmly.
On the prospect of indirect talks with the United States, he was equally clear: “Indirect negotiations have not been agreed upon, and I do not endorse any country in this matter.”
The minister also detailed upcoming discussions with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). “Tomorrow, we will hold talks concerning a new cooperation framework,” Araghchi said.
“So far, no inspection plan is agreed upon. Until a new framework is finalized, cooperation will not commence.” He underscored that any new agreement “will certainly be based on the law passed by our honorable parliament.”
Araghchi’s comments come amid ongoing tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program following unprovoked Israeli and aggression in June. His insistence on parliamentary oversight highlights Tehran’s intention to maintain domestic control over any foreign agreements.
Turning to relations with European countries involved in the nuclear deal and their threat to activate the sanctions snapback mechanism, Araghchi delivered a pointed message.
“From our perspective, the snapback mechanism has no validity, and Europe can no longer be considered a participant in the JCPOA,” he said. He acknowledged ongoing “technical and legal discussions” but emphasized that “Europe’s positions have made them no longer partners in our view.”
On regional security issues, particularly the recent peace deal signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Araqchi portrayed Iran as an active mediator committed to peace.
“We have had repeated dialogues with both Armenia and Azerbaijan,” he explained. “Tomorrow, the Armenian foreign minister will call me. Prime Minister Pashinyan will also contact us, and on Tuesday, the Armenian deputy foreign minister is scheduled to visit Tehran.”
He stressed Iran’s position as supportive of “any peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.”
Highlighting Iran’s principled stance, he said, “We desire full sovereignty for all countries in the region over their territories. We defend the territorial integrity of all neighboring states and reject any changes to international borders.”
He noted that the recent joint statement by Armenia and Azerbaijan reflects these “three principles: respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and opposition to border changes,” aligning with Iran’s views.
On the Zangazur corridor project, Araqchi clarified, “The corridor issue has been completely set aside. The discussion now concerns a transit road under Armenian jurisdiction, managed by an