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Iran's FM Holds Key Talks on US Nuclear Negotiations Amid Rising Tensions

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi discussed the latest round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States in separate phone calls with his Egyptian and Russian counterparts. The discussions focused on preparing a negotiation draft based on mutual interests and respect, with both Egypt and Russia expressing support for the diplomatic process. This diplomatic activity occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions and a US military buildup in the region. US President Donald Trump has issued a warning, giving Iran a short deadline to reach a deal and reportedly considering limited military strike options.

Key Points: Iran FM Discusses US Nuclear Talks with Egypt, Russia

  • Iran FM held calls on US nuclear talks
  • Russia supports diplomatic solution
  • Trump gives Iran 10-15 day deadline
  • US considering limited military strike
  • Talks aim for "acceptable" framework
2 min read

Iranian FM discusses indirect US talks with Egyptian, Russian counterparts

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi held calls with Egyptian and Russian counterparts on indirect US nuclear talks, as Trump issues a deadline.

"really bad things will happen - Donald Trump"

Tehran, Feb 20

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Friday held separate phone calls with his Egyptian and Russian counterparts over the latest developments regarding indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States.

In his conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Araghchi highlighted efforts to prepare a draft for the negotiations based on mutual respect and interests regarding the second round of talks with Washington, which was held in Geneva on Tuesday, said the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Abdelatty, for his part, welcomed the ongoing diplomatic process between Iran and the United States, urging that the consultations continue to achieve an "acceptable" framework for the involved parties, Xinhua news agency reported.

Separately, Araghchi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed "the current situation with the Iranian nuclear programme, including with due regard for the outcome of the indirect US-Iranian contacts held in Geneva," according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Lavrov reaffirmed Russia's support for the negotiation process aimed at "finding equitable political and diplomatic solutions based on respect for Iran's legitimate rights, in accordance with the principles of the Non-Proliferation Treaty."

The renewed diplomatic process between Iran and the United States comes amid heightened tensions between the two sides, and a US military buildup in the region.

US President Donald Trump said Thursday that Iran has 10 to 15 days to reach a deal over its nuclear programme, warning that otherwise "really bad things" will happen.

Trump is weighing an initial limited military strike on Iran aimed at pressuring Tehran into accepting a nuclear deal, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing sources familiar with the deliberations.

If authorized, the strike could come within days, targetting a few military or government sites, said the report.

It added that if Iran still refuses to comply with the US nuclear demand, the Trump administration would respond with a broad campaign against Iranian government facilities, potentially aimed at toppling the "Tehran regime", said the report, Xinhua news agency reported.

Trump hasn't yet decided to order an attack at any scale, though he is considering options ranging from a weeklong campaign of attacks to force "regime change" to a smaller-scale wave of strikes targeting Iran's government and military facilities, said the report.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see Egypt and Russia being brought into the conversation. It shows Iran is trying to build a broader diplomatic consensus, not just talk to the US. Smart move, but the 10-15 day ultimatum from Trump is worrying.
A
Arjun K
The report mentions "regime change" as an option. This is a dangerous path. We've seen how that worked in Iraq and Libya. The region cannot handle more instability. India should use its good relations with both Iran and the US to advocate for peaceful dialogue.
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Priyanka N
Russia's support for Iran's "legitimate rights" is predictable geopolitics. The whole situation feels like a high-stakes game where ordinary people will suffer the most. Hope cooler heads prevail. India has major projects in Iran like Chabahar port, peace is crucial for us.
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Michael C
While I understand the concerns about nuclear proliferation, the threat of military action within days is extremely escalatory. The language of "really bad things" and ultimatums is not how responsible global powers should conduct diplomacy. There must be a better way.
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Kavya N
This is giving me serious deja vu. Feels like the run-up to the Iraq war all over again with claims of WMDs. The international community, including India, should push for the JCPOA (the old nuclear deal) to be revived. It was working before the US pulled out.

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