Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, has reaffirmed the country’s readiness to initiate fresh negotiations aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear deal and lifting sanctions. Speaking ahead of his visit to the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Araghchi emphasized that Iran is prepared to engage in a new round of talks, provided other parties show the same willingness.
In an interview shared on the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s Telegram channel on Monday, Araghchi said, “We will make efforts to start a new round of negotiations on the nuclear issue… We can begin a new round of negotiations during this trip.” The remarks came as part of the new administration’s foreign policy goals.
Diplomatic Challenges and Conditions
Araghchi acknowledged that while there is ongoing communication with other parties involved in the nuclear deal, the current international landscape poses more significant challenges than before. He stressed that the success of any talks would depend on all parties’ willingness to engage constructively.
While dismissing the prospect of direct discussions with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his trip, Araghchi did not rule out the possibility of such talks in the future. He suggested that if the United States shifted its approach—particularly in light of its unilateral withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in May 2018—direct negotiations could become feasible.
The Nuclear Deal’s History and Stalled Negotiations
The JCPOA, signed in July 2015 between Iran and major world powers, imposed limits on Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for relief from international sanctions. However, the deal faced setbacks when the US, under President Donald Trump, withdrew from the agreement in May 2018 and reinstated harsh sanctions against Iran. In response, Iran gradually began scaling back its nuclear commitments under the deal.
Efforts to revive the JCPOA have been ongoing since April 2021, with several rounds of negotiations taking place in Vienna. However, significant progress has stalled, with the last round of talks concluding in August 2022 without any major breakthrough.
Future Prospects for the JCPOA
The potential revival of the JCPOA remains a critical issue for international diplomacy. While Araghchi’s comments indicate a willingness from Iran to return to the negotiating table, the success of future talks will likely depend on overcoming key challenges, particularly in US-Iran relations. The question of sanctions relief, Iran’s nuclear activities, and the broader geopolitical environment will continue to shape the outcome of these discussions.
For now, the focus will be on the 79th UN General Assembly, where Araghchi’s visit could provide an opportunity for renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the nuclear impasse and easing tensions in the region.