Iran skeptical of nuclear talks with US - Reuters
Iran is cautiously approaching the talks with the United States on its nuclear program, which are scheduled to take place on April 12. Tehran does not believe in their progress and is suspicious of the US intentions.
This was stated by unnamed Iranian officials to Reuters, Censor.NET reports.
According to them, Iran would like to see concrete gestures from the United States before any face-to-face talks between Iranian and American officials.
The talks were announced on Monday by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly threatened Iran with military action if it does not agree to a deal since he returned to the White House in January.
Trump said the talks on Saturday in Oman would be direct, but Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reiterated Tehran's position on Tuesday that they should be indirect, citing what he called US pressure and threats.
"The Iranians have told us that direct talks are possible, but there must be a gesture of goodwill. Lift some sanctions or unfreeze some money," a regional diplomat said.
Three Iranian officials said that Tehran perceives US President Donald Trump 's warning of measures in case of failure to agree to negotiations as a way to force the country to make concessions. Otherwise, he promised to use air strikes.
According to them, the United States wants to discuss other issues, including Iran's influence in the Middle East and the country's ballistic missile program. But this is non-negotiable, the interlocutors emphasized.
"Trump wants a new deal: to end Iran's regional influence, dismantle its nuclear program and stop its missile work. This is unacceptable for Tehran. Our nuclear program cannot be dismantled," the Iranian official emphasized.
"Our defense is non-negotiable. How can Tehran disarm when Israel has nuclear warheads? Who will protect us if Israel or someone else strikes?" - said another official.
The US wants to reach a nuclear deal with Iran
Earlier it was reported that President Donald Trump said he wanted to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran. He sent a letter proposing such negotiations to the Iranian leader.
Bloomberg reported that Trump asked Russian dictator Putin to help in nuclear negotiations with Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that negotiations with the United States would be held only if the United States treats Tehran with respect.
Iranian President Massoud Peseshkian said he would not negotiate with the United States when he is threatened.
