Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, stated on Sunday that discussions with the United States are no longer possible unless certain conditions are met. His remarks came as Washington eagerly awaits Tehran’s response to its invitation to negotiate a new nuclear agreement. According to state media, Araqchi emphasized that the current situation makes any meaningful dialogue between the two nations unfeasible unless these critical changes take place.

The comments mark a significant escalation in the already strained relationship between Iran and the United States, especially as both sides have previously engaged in negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. The U.S. had hoped to revive talks following the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and after President Biden’s calls for re-engagement.

However, Iran’s stance suggests it is unwilling to return to talks under the existing conditions, signaling that certain adjustments—likely related to sanctions, the preservation of Iran’s nuclear rights, or other geopolitical issues—are necessary before any meaningful discussions can take place. This shift indicates that, without these changes, any future nuclear talks between the two countries could be indefinitely delayed, exacerbating tensions in the region and complicating international efforts to ensure peace and stability in the Middle East.

As both nations await further developments, it remains uncertain how or if they will move forward with negotiations, especially as the U.S. seeks to address Iran’s nuclear capabilities while balancing its strategic interests in the region.