Iran Says Nuclear Deal Possible if U.S. Adopts Realistic Approach

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that a nuclear agreement with the United States is achievable if Washington adopts a realistic approach and refrains from making unreasonable demands. Speaking in Moscow ahead of the second round of negotiations set for Saturday in Rome, Araqchi acknowledged the U.S.‘s seriousness from the first round of talks held in Oman. These negotiations come amid President Donald Trump’s threats of military action should Iran not agree to a deal concerning its nuclear program, which Iran maintains is for peaceful purposes, while the West suspects it aims to develop nuclear weapons. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed Moscow’s willingness to mediate and support the dialogue. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei sent Araqchi with a message for Russian President Vladimir Putin to brief him on the developments. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that while the U.S. seeks a peaceful resolution, it will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. Russia, a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, has previously played a key role in Iran’s nuclear negotiations, including the multilateral deal abandoned by Trump in 2018.