Iran to US: Negotiate, Don’t Dictate on Nuclear Deal

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi declared Sunday that Tehran remains ready for diplomacy but refuses participation in talks “meant for dictation,” accusing Washington of showing “no readiness for equal and fair negotiations” on the nuclear program. The statement, delivered at a Tehran conference, underscores Iran’s stance that trust must be rebuilt before any meaningful dialogue can resume after the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.
“Iran will always be prepared to engage in diplomacy, but not negotiations meant for dictation,” Araqchi asserted, according to state media reports from November 16, 2025. He emphasized that Washington’s current approach reflects efforts to “dictate their demands, which are maximalist and excessive,” leaving no space for genuine dialogue.
The foreign minister reiterated Iran’s core message: the door to negotiations remains open, but only for partners who recognize Tehran as an equal. This position stems from the Trump administration’s 2018 exit from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and subsequent reimposition of crippling sanctions, which Iran views as a betrayal that destroyed diplomatic trust.
Araqchi stressed that Iran’s right to uranium enrichment for peaceful purposes is “undeniable” and “inalienable,” stating Tehran will never surrender this right under pressure. The comments come as Iran has suspended uranium enrichment at all sites following June’s 12-day war with Israel and US strikes on nuclear facilities, though satellite imagery suggests possible renewed activity.
The foreign minister warned that foreign powers must choose between the path of nuclear diplomacy set out in the 2015 deal and renewed conflict, declaring: “We are ready for both.” He described Iran’s defensive response during the June war as “remarkable, inspiring, historic and above all, pure,” while accusing Israel of doing “dirty work” for US interests.
Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh reinforced the hardline stance, stating any future direct engagement with Washington would be “an armed negotiation” because Iran does not trust the United States and remains prepared to “confront any deception.”
The US has been sending mixed messages about reviving talks through third countries, but Khatibzadeh dismissed these as lacking constructive intent. President Trump has claimed Iran wants to negotiate after June’s strikes, telling reporters: “Everybody wants to negotiate with us now,” arguing military strength forced Tehran’s shift.
European powers face a decision point as the IAEA board prepares to meet this week, with the US, France, Germany, and UK reportedly planning to table a resolution against Iran. Tehran warned that such action would “unavoidably and adversely affect” its cooperation with the agency.
While Washington demands a full halt to uranium enrichment, Iran insists negotiations must be rooted in mutual respect, not threats. The standoff leaves the international community watching whether Trump’s maximum pressure can force concessions or if Tehran’s refusal to accept dictation will lead to renewed confrontation.