Iran rules out missile talks with the United States

US-Iran Talks Resume Amid Ongoing Tensions

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed hope for the resumption of talks with the United States, stating that discussions will focus on the nuclear issue. US President Donald Trump announced plans for another round of negotiations next week.

Araghchi told Al Jazeera that Iran’s missile programme was not a topic for negotiation during Friday’s talks. He warned that if the US attacks Iranian territory, Tehran would target US military bases in the Middle East. Araghchi also stated that nuclear enrichment is an “inalienable right” and must continue.

In contrast, Iranians in Tehran expressed skepticism about the outcome of the negotiations. A woman who wished to remain anonymous stated that previous talks had ended without results due to both sides’ refusal to compromise.

US foreign policy expert Abdullah al-Shayji hopes for a new deal between the US and Iran but is not optimistic. He attributed this to the strong position taken by the US, which he believes is being influenced by Israel’s pressure to clamp down on Iranian concessions.

Trump signed an executive order on Saturday imposing tariffs on countries still doing business with Iran. The US also announced new sanctions against shipping entities and vessels aimed at curbing Iran’s oil exports.

Nuclear enrichment is a key issue in the negotiations, with Araghchi stating that it is an “inalienable right” for Iran. The Iranian government has repeatedly rejected expanding the scope of the talks beyond the nuclear issue.

The US has sought to address Iran’s ballistic missile programme and its support for armed groups in the region. Tehran has rejected this expansion, making it challenging for mediation efforts to bring both sides closer together.

Friday’s negotiations were the first since nuclear talks between Iran and the US collapsed last year following Israel’s bombing campaign against Iran. The resumption of talks comes amid ongoing tensions between the two countries, with Trump ramping up threats against Iran following widespread antigovernment protests in the country.

Source: Al Jazeera