Iranian FM Says New Talks with the US 'Likely' but Not Confirmed

Iran's foreign minister stated on Wednesday that new negotiations with the United States are "possible," although no final decision has been reached on whether talks between the two nations will resume.

Abbas Araghchi told state television that Iran has received messages from the U.S., but said that no definitive arrangements have been made, The Caspian Post reports citing Iranian media.

“There have been and continue to be discussions,” Araghchi said. “Whether dialogue and negotiations take place in the near or distant future depends on what our national interests require.”

He described negotiations as part of Iran’s broader strategy in dealing with world powers, including the United States.

Araghchi added that Iran would use all available diplomatic and other tools to secure its national interests.

The foreign minister also addressed Iran’s relationship with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) following recent attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.

He said the IAEA has a “poor” record with Iran and has “failed to condemn illegal military strikes on nuclear installations.”

Iran’s parliament has passed legislation calling for the suspension of cooperation with the agency.

Araghchi said that any future cooperation would require approval from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

He also announced that Iran has invited an IAEA deputy director general to visit Tehran, although the trip would not involve inspections and has not yet been finalized.

On regional relations, Araghchi said that Iran continues to engage in defense, economic, and political cooperation with Russia and China.

He said both countries have condemned the recent attacks on Iran.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to travel to China in September to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, Araghchi added.