Iran Not Ready for New Face-to-Face Talks with US, Official Says

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stated in an interview with the Associated Press that Iran is not yet ready to hold a new round of face-to-face talks with the United States.

The senior diplomat attributed this position to what he described as Washington's continued "maximalist" demands on key issues. According to Khatibzadeh, the United States has not abandoned these demands, creating a barrier to resuming direct negotiations.

Khatibzadeh emphasized that Iran will not ship its enriched uranium stockpile to the United States, rejecting claims made by US President Donald Trump.

Path to Negotiations

The Iranian official outlined a specific condition for moving forward. He stated that Iran is seeking the finalization of a "framework agreement" before moving to an in-person meeting. This suggests a preference for establishing the broad outlines of a deal through indirect channels first.

Khatibzadeh also noted that other sides involved in the diplomatic process should understand and address Iran's main concerns. While he did not specify which particular issues remain unresolved, his comments highlight ongoing disagreements that must be settled prior to direct engagement.

The statement underscores the continued diplomatic stalemate between Iran and the United States regarding the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).