Iran’s New Condition for Resuming Talks: U.S. Must Pay Compensation

Kokcha News Agency: In an interview with the Financial Times, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi outlined Iran’s conditions for returning to nuclear negotiations. He emphasized that the U.S. must compensate Iran for damages caused during the 12-day conflict and provide assurances that such attacks will not be repeated.

Araghchi stated, “The U.S. must explain why they attacked us in the middle of negotiations and must guarantee that such an incident will not happen again in the future.”

He also highlighted that Iran seeks a “win-win” solution to the nuclear crisis and that while the path to negotiations is narrow, it is not impossible.

The Foreign Minister revealed that he and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff have exchanged messages during and after the conflict. Araghchi stressed that Iran needs concrete confidence-building measures from the U.S., including financial compensation and guarantees against attacks during renewed negotiations.

Araghchi reiterated that Iran remains committed to its peaceful and non-military nuclear program and will not change its doctrine. He emphasized that Iran respects the 20-year-old fatwa by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which prohibits the development of nuclear weapons.

The Foreign Minister also noted that the recent conflict has deepened mistrust in U.S. President Donald Trump, who unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) signed between Iran and the Obama administration along with other world powers.

Araghchi added that Tehran still retains the capability to enrich uranium. “Buildings can be rebuilt, and machines can be replaced because the technology exists. We have many scientists and technicians who previously worked at our facilities. However, when and how we resume enrichment depends on the circumstances.”

He concluded by stating that as long as Trump demands a complete halt to uranium enrichment, no agreement is possible. However, Washington can raise its concerns through negotiations. “We can negotiate, they can present their arguments, and we will present ours. But with zero enrichment, we have nothing.”