Iran Says It Is Ready for ‘Peaceful’ Nuclear Deal with US but Won’t Compromise Security

Iran has expressed readiness to reach a “peaceful” nuclear agreement with the United States, but insists it will not make concessions that undermine its national security, Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Tuesday.

Tehran has long maintained that its nuclear programme is intended solely for civilian and energy purposes. However, the US, several European governments, and Israel allege that Iran is seeking the capability to develop nuclear weapons. Iran has repeatedly rejected the accusation.

Speaking at the 12th Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate, Khatibzadeh said Washington continues to send “contradictory messages” regarding nuclear negotiations through intermediary countries. The US and Iran held five rounds of indirect talks before a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel in June, during which the US participated in strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure.

Khatibzadeh accused Washington of “betraying diplomacy” and said talks have not resumed since the conflict. Key points of disagreement remain, including the level of uranium enrichment allowed on Iranian soil. The US wants enrichment levels reduced to zero to prevent any potential weaponisation, while Tehran insists its enrichment programme is non-military and must remain intact.

In October, US President Donald Trump said Washington was willing to reach a new agreement whenever Iran was ready, stating that the “hand of friendship and cooperation” remained extended.

However, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei last week ruled out negotiations under pressure, stressing that Tehran will not revisit talks while facing threats.

“Tehran is not seeking nuclear bombs and is prepared to assure the world of that,” Khatibzadeh said. “We are proud of our homegrown nuclear programme.”