Iran Signals Willingness for UN-Sideline Nuclear Talks Amid Heightened Tensions

Iran is prepared to initiate nuclear negotiations at the United Nations General Assembly if other parties are willing, stated Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. Previous talks have stalled due to U.S. sanctions and worsening relations. Araqchi emphasized complexities in resuming talks under current international conditions.

Iran is prepared to jump-start nuclear negotiations on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, provided that "other parties are willing," Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced in a video on his Telegram channel on Monday.

The U.S., under former President Donald Trump, exited the 2015 nuclear accord in 2018, which had Iran and six world powers agreeing to restrict Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Although indirect negotiations between the U.S. and Iran have stalled, Araqchi expressed Iran's readiness for discussions, complicated by existing U.S. sanctions and deteriorated relationships with Western countries.

"I will extend my stay in New York longer than the President to hold additional meetings with various foreign ministers. Our focus will be on launching a new round of talks related to the nuclear pact," Araqchi said. He also noted that messages have been exchanged and a "general declaration of readiness" issued, but emphasized that "current international conditions make the resumption of talks more complicated and difficult than before."

Iran's aim is to alleviate the heavy U.S. sanctions that have significantly impacted its economy. The relationship with the West has deteriorated, especially after the Iranian-backed Hamas militant group's attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7 and Tehran's increased support for Russia's war in Ukraine. The Biden administration has stated that the U.S. is not currently prepared to resume nuclear discussions with Iran.

(With inputs from agencies.)