Tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that negotiations with Washington might not resume soon. In an interview with CBS, Araghchi emphasized that Tehran needs guarantees from the U.S. that it won’t launch new airstrikes during talks. He also warned that if Iran decides to restart uranium enrichment, it could do so quickly.
Araghchi explained, ‘We need to be sure that the U.S. won’t target us again amid negotiations. Diplomatic doors never close, but we will take time before engaging again.’
This sentiment was echoed by Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi, who told BBC that no agreement has been reached on when or how talks would restart. He criticized U.S. President Donald Trump, saying that Washington has not clarified whether it intends to launch further attacks during diplomatic engagement.
The comments come after the U.S. announced it wouldn’t hesitate to order another bombing of Iran if it appears to pursue nuclear weapons — something Tehran has denied for decades. Trump also claimed he is offering nothing to Iran, unlike his predecessor Barack Obama, who signed the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and lifted sanctions in exchange for limits on Iran’s nuclear program.
Meanwhile, Israel launched unprecedented airstrikes against Iran on June 13, targeting key military officials and scientists involved in its nuclear energy program. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the strikes as a necessary measure to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a claim Iran continues to deny.
Despite a fragile ceasefire brokered by Trump on June 24, which followed U.S. orders to bomb three key Iranian nuclear sites, the threat of renewed conflict remains high. Trump warned he would unquestionably authorize more strikes if Iran begins enriching uranium to weapons-grade levels.
Ravanchi reiterated that enriching uranium up to 60% for peaceful energy purposes is Iran’s right. ‘You can discuss the level and capacity, but telling us you want zero enrichment and threatening us with bombs — that’s jungle law,’ he said.