High-Stakes Diplomacy: Iran's Nuclear Talks Loom Large

Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, announced he will meet with the UN nuclear watchdog chief on Monday. This meeting occurs as U.S. warships head to the Middle East, heightening tensions as nuclear negotiations loom. Recent dialogues took place indirectly in Oman earlier this month.

In Geneva, Araqchi emphasized Iran's commitment to a fair deal without succumbing to threats, sharing his stance on the X platform. He criticized Washington's attempts to stretch the talks to include non-nuclear issues, asserting that Iran focuses solely on nuclear limitations in return for sanctions relief and maintains its right to enrichment.

Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi expressed Iran's willingness to compromise for sanctions relief, stating the U.S. must demonstrate genuine intent for a deal. In the meantime, Iran's readiness includes civil defense preparations in strategic locations amid military posturing from the U.S. and Israel.