Iran sets conditions for direct talks with US
Iran will consider the prospect of direct negotiations with the United States with an equal approach and mutual interests.
According to RIA Novosti on July 22, in an interview with Fox News, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Iran could consider the prospect of direct negotiations with the US in the future if Washington shows an equal approach.
"Not now, but maybe in the future. Everything will depend on whether the United States is ready to stand by Iran, on the basis of equality, on the basis of mutual respect and on the basis of common interests," Foreign Minister Aragchi said, answering the question of whether Tehran was ready to negotiate directly with the administration of US President Donald Trump.
Earlier, Mr. Trump said that Iran was "interested in resuming negotiations on its nuclear program and that Washington was ready for such a dialogue." Foreign Minister Araghchi previously said that resuming negotiations with the United States could only take place if Washington was ready for a balanced and mutually beneficial nuclear deal.
Iran and the United States have held five rounds of indirect talks mediated by Oman, regarding Iran's nuclear program, as well as the lifting of US sanctions on Tehran.
The sixth round was scheduled for June 15, but did not take place because of the Iran-Israel conflict, in which Tehran accuses Washington of involvement.
In a related development, representatives of Iran, Russia and China will hold a trilateral meeting in Tehran on July 22 on the Iranian nuclear issue. The meeting will be held based on reports of a possible resumption of Tehran's talks with Washington, as well as Iran's upcoming meeting with the "Eurotroika" countries in Istanbul.
Iran's Foreign Ministry did not specify who would represent the parties, but it is understood that the talks will not be held at the ministerial level.
