Iran is prepared to initiate nuclear discussions during the UN General Assembly in New York if "other parties are willing," Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated on Monday in a video shared on his Telegram channel.
The US, under then-President Donald Trump, withdrew in 2018 from a nuclear agreement signed in 2015 by Iran and six world powers, under which Tehran curtailed its controversial nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions. Indirect talks between Washington and Tehran to revive the deal have been stalled. Iran remains formally part of the deal but has reduced its commitments to adhere to it due to US sanctions reimposed on the Islamic Republic.
"I will remain in New York for a few more days than the president and will engage in more meetings with various foreign ministers. Our focus will be on initiating a new round of talks concerning the nuclear agreement," Araqchi said.
The general debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly will commence on Tuesday, September 24, continue through September 28, and conclude on September 30, according to the UN website.
Araqchi added that communications have been exchanged via Switzerland and a "general declaration of readiness" has been issued, but he cautioned that "current international conditions make the resumption of talks more complex and challenging than before."
He also mentioned that he would not meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken: "I do not believe it would be prudent to hold such a dialogue. There were such meetings previously, but there is currently no suitable ground for that. We are still far from holding direct talks."
Since the renewal of US sanctions during the Trump administration, Tehran has refused to negotiate directly with Washington and has primarily worked through European or Arab intermediaries. Iranian leaders seek an easing of US sanctions that have severely impacted its economy. However, Iran's relations with the West have deteriorated since Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, and as Tehran has increased its support for Russia's war in Ukraine.
US President Joe Biden's administration has stated that the United States is not prepared to resume nuclear talks with Iran.
