Tehran is open to resuming negotiations with Washington to restore their participation in a nuclear agreement, Iran’s acting foreign minister, Ali Bagheri Kani, told Newsweek in an interview published Tuesday. Bagheri Kani’s comments come as he prepares to address the United Nations Security Council in New York.
The United States, under President Donald Trump, withdrew from the nuclear accord with Iran and six world powers in 2018. This agreement restricted Tehran’s nuclear programs. Indirect talks to revive the deal have stalled, with Iran still part of the agreement but having reduced its commitments due to U.S. sanctions.
Bagheri Kani emphasized that Tehran remains open to negotiations with Washington to restore mutual participation in the nuclear deal. However, he also highlighted Iran’s intent to strengthen ties with China, Russia, and neighboring countries. Additionally, Iran will call for greater action against Israel in light of the Gaza war.
Last week, the Biden administration stated that the United States was not ready to resume nuclear talks with Iran under its new president. Bagheri Kani assumed the role of acting foreign minister after the death of Hossein Amirabdollahian and Iran’s president Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in May.
Iranians subsequently elected Masoud Pezeshkian as president. Pezeshkian, a moderate, has pledged to promote a pragmatic foreign policy and ease tensions with the powers involved in the 2015 nuclear pact.
