US Must Compensate Iran Before Nuclear Talks Resume: Araqchi

Iran’s top diplomat stated in an interview with Financial Times that Tehran would not agree to “business as usual” in the wake of Israel’s acts of aggression last month, which the US later joined despite having been in talks with Iran.

“They should explain why they attacked us in the middle of negotiations,” Araqchi said.

“They have to ensure that they are not going to repeat that (during future talks),” he continued.

“And they have to compensate (Iran for) the damage that they have done.”

On June 13, the Israeli regime initiated a coordinated military aggression against Iran, assassinating a number of high-ranking Iranian military commanders, nuclear scientists, and innocent civilians.

Just days later, the United States blatantly joined the illegal war effort by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites — a flagrant breach of international law, the UN Charter, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

In a swift and decisive response, Iranian forces struck key military installations across the occupied Palestinian territories and targeted the US al-Udeid air base in Qatar, marking a clear message of resistance.

By June 24, Iran’s calculated retaliatory strikes forced the Israeli regime into seeking a ceasefire, effectively halting the unlawful aggression.

Araqchi noted that despite the attacks, indirect communication with US envoy Steve Witkoff has continued.

He said he had emphasized the need for a “win-win solution” but stressed that trust has been severely eroded.

“The road to negotiation is narrow but it’s not impossible,” Araqchi said.

“I need to convince my hierarchy that if we go for negotiation, the other side is coming with real determination for a win-win deal.”

He further stated that any resumption of talks requires clear confidence-building steps from Washington, including financial reparations and guarantees against future aggression.

He said, “We need real confidence-building measures from their side.”

Araqchi also highlighted widespread public opposition to renewed dialogue with the US, particularly after the betrayal of the 2015 nuclear deal by former US President Donald Trump.

“Anti-negotiation feelings are very high,” he said.

“People are telling me, ‘Don’t waste your time anymore, don’t be cheated by them . . . if they come to negotiations it’s only a cover-up for their other intentions.’”

Before the Israeli-American assault, five rounds of indirect talks had been held between Iran and the US, with Oman mediating.

A sixth round scheduled in Muscat on June 15 was canceled following the attacks.

On June 22, the US deepened its complicity in the war by targeting three of Iran’s nuclear facilities — once again in clear defiance of international obligations.

Araqchi reiterated that no agreement is possible if the US maintains its demand for zero enrichment.

“We can negotiate, they can present their argument and we will present our own argument,” he said.

“But with zero enrichment, we don’t have a thing.”

He also issued a warning to the European trio — Britain, France, and Germany — over their threat to trigger the JCPOA’s snapback mechanism.

He noted that the three European signatories to the JCPOA have failed to fulfill their obligations as per the nuclear deal, emphasizing that Tehran would end talks with the trio if they trigger the snapback mechanism.

“With the Europeans, there is no reason right now to negotiate because they cannot lift sanctions, they cannot do anything,” he said.

“If they do snapback, that means that this is the end of the road for them.”