Iran Open to US Talks With "Realism," Warns Against "Excessive Demands"

A senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader stated that negotiations with the United States could advance positively if based on realism and without excessive demands. He emphasized that Iran's missile program is a definitive red line and warned of a strong response to any aggression. The comments come amid renewed indirect nuclear talks and heightened regional tensions, despite diplomatic efforts. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed the stance, stating Iran is ready for verification but will not yield on its nuclear program.

Key Points: Iran Sets Terms for US Nuclear Talks, Warns Israel

  • Talks require realism, not excessive demands
  • Iran's missile program is non-negotiable
  • Israel needs US support to attack Iran
  • Diplomatic efforts aim to de-escalate tensions
2 min read

Iran says talks with US can progress positively without 'excessive demands'

Iran says nuclear talks with the US can progress with realism, but warns its missile program is a red line and Israel cannot attack without US support.

"not yield to excessive demands - Masoud Pezeshkian"

Tehran, Feb 14

A senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said negotiations between Tehran and Washington could advance and protect mutual interests if they are grounded in realism and avoid excessive demands.

Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran's Defence Council, made the remarks in an interview with Qatar's Al Jazeera, which was published on Friday, while commenting on the renewed indirect nuclear negotiations between his country and the United States, the first round of which was held in Oman on February 6, Xinhua news agency reported.

Shamkhani said that refraining from actions and movements that could negatively affect the stability and security of West Asia is a logical and rational path for all sides involved, adding that diplomatic measures in the region are aimed at de-escalating tensions and strengthening political solutions.

He stressed that Iran's missile program is among the country's red lines and non-negotiable, warning that Iran will give a "strong, decisive and appropriate" response to any potential adventurism against the country.

He said Israel cannot attack Iran without US support, emphasising that Iran's level of military readiness is high, raising the costs of any miscalculation by any side against the country.

His remarks came amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington and a US military buildup in the region, despite recent diplomatic efforts.

Earlier on Wednesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that his country would "not yield to excessive demands" on its nuclear programme, after Tehran resumed talks with the United States.

He also said Iran was ready for "any verification" of its nuclear programme and insisted it was not seeking an atomic weapon.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
"Excessive demands" is the key phrase here. The US often tries to dictate terms. Iran is right to stand firm on its missile program. Every sovereign nation has the right to self-defence. Hope diplomacy wins the day 🙏
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Aman W
Frankly, I'm skeptical. Both sides have a history of backing out of deals. The US military buildup mentioned in the article doesn't inspire confidence. India should maintain a balanced relationship with both, focusing on our national interest.
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Sarah B
Interesting to see Qatar's Al Jazeera as the platform. The regional players are deeply involved. Stability is good, but Iran's support for proxies is a major issue the article doesn't address. The talks need to be comprehensive.
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Karthik V
The mention of Israel is crucial. The region is a tinderbox. As an Indian, my primary concern is the impact on oil prices and the safety of our large diaspora in the Gulf. De-escalation is the need of the hour.
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Nikhil C
While I support dialogue, Iran's statement feels like a public posturing before talks even properly begin. "Strong, decisive response" rhetoric doesn't help. Both sides need to tone down the aggressive language for any real progress. A bit of humility would go a long way.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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