Iran Expresses Readiness for Nuclear Talks Amid Tension

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced Tehran's willingness to start nuclear negotiations on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly if other parties are willing. Talks had stalled since the U.S. withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions. Relations with the West have deteriorated, impacting the potential for future negotiations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has voiced Iran's readiness to initiate nuclear discussions on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York, contingent on the willingness of other involved parties.

The U.S., led by then-President Donald Trump, exited a 2015 nuclear agreement in 2018, leading to stalled indirect talks. Despite remaining in the deal, Iran has reduced its commitments due to reimposed U.S. sanctions.

Araqchi, who plans to extend his stay in New York for further ministerial meetings, emphasized the complexity of resuming talks. He ruled out meeting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, citing unfavorable conditions for direct dialogue. Recent geopolitical tensions have further strained Iran's relations with the West.

(With inputs from agencies.)