Iran Signals Openness to Nuclear Talks with U.S., But Draws Red Lines on Missiles and Sovereignty
ISTANBUL – Iran has declared its readiness to return to the negotiating table with the United States over its nuclear program, provided talks are conducted on "fair and just" terms. The offer, made by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday, carries significant caveats, explicitly ruling out discussions on Tehran's missile capabilities and rejecting any form of external pressure.
"We are prepared for any meaningful, logical, and fair diplomatic process," Araghchi stated at a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan. "But let me be clear: we will not accept dictation or compromise on our defensive security. No country would."
The diplomatic overture follows a week of escalating rhetoric from Washington. President Donald Trump earlier this week warned Iran to agree to what he termed an "equitable" nuclear deal, hinting at the possibility of another U.S. military strike. Trump also claimed to have communicated directly with Iranian leaders, demanding they abandon nuclear ambitions and cease the violent suppression of domestic protests—a claim not independently verified.
Analysts see Araghchi's statement as a calibrated response, aiming to project flexibility while reinforcing core strategic positions. "The missile program is a non-negotiable pillar of Iran's defense doctrine, especially given the perceived threats in the region," said Dr. Leila Karimi, a senior fellow at the Gulf Studies Institute. "This isn't just posturing; it's a fundamental red line."
Timing and format for any potential dialogue remain uncertain. Araghchi emphasized that "necessary preliminaries" on agenda and venue must be settled, and talks cannot proceed "under threat," a pointed reference to the U.S. naval deployments he acknowledged are underway.
In a parallel development, Turkey has offered to mediate. Following a call between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, Ankara expressed readiness to "assume a facilitating role" to de-escalate tensions. Araghchi, acknowledging regional challenges are "extremely serious," welcomed closer consultations with regional partners.
The situation leaves a narrow path for diplomacy. While the door to talks is nominally ajar, the conflicting preconditions from both sides—Washington's demand for a sweeping new deal and Tehran's refusal to discuss its missiles—suggest a breakthrough remains distant.
Reaction & Analysis
"This is a classic diplomatic maneuver. Iran is seizing the narrative, portraying itself as the reasonable party open to dialogue, while knowing full well its missile condition is a deal-breaker for the current U.S. administration. It's smart politics."
– Mark Richardson, Former State Department Adviser
"Open to talks? This is a charade. They're playing for time while solidifying their regional influence and military capabilities. The regime has no intention of giving up its missile arsenal, which is used to terrorize its neighbors and prop up proxies. The U.S. must not fall for this tactical feint."
– Sarah Chen, Security Analyst at The Middle East Forum (Sharp/Emotional)
"The Turkish mediation offer is the most interesting element here. Ankara has leverage with both sides and a vested interest in regional stability. If anyone can choreograph initial, lower-level contacts, it might be Erdogan. Watch that space."
– David Fischer, Correspondent for Foreign Policy Digest
Reporting contributed by Gul Tuysuz in Istanbul and Kevin Liptak in Washington. Background analysis by CNN's global affairs team.