Latest news with #Ravanchi
Kyodo News
12-08-2025
- Business
- Kyodo News
Iran eyes fair U.S. deal, ongoing enrichment: deputy foreign minister
TEHRAN - Iran's deputy foreign minister said on Saturday that Tehran is prepared to accept certain limitations on its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions, but ending uranium enrichment entirely is nonnegotiable. "Iran can be flexible on the capacities and limits of enrichment, but cannot agree to stop enrichment under any circumstance because it's essential, and we need to rely on ourselves, not on empty promises," Majid Takht-e Ravanchi told Kyodo News in an interview. "It's simple and clear: if the U.S. insists on zero enrichment, then we have no deal." The remarks come amid a prolonged impasse in U.S.-Iran nuclear talks. U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew Washington from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018 during his first term, under which Tehran agreed to curb nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief. Trump has repeatedly vowed to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. According to Iranian officials, efforts to revive negotiations were derailed in mid-June when Israel carried out air strikes in Iran, killing a nuclear scientist and senior military commanders. On June 22, U.S. Air Force B-2 bombers struck three major Iranian nuclear facilities that were all under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards. Tehran denounced the attacks as violations of international law aimed at undermining diplomacy. "For talks to continue, Washington must guarantee that it will not attack Iran again if negotiations resume," Ravanchi said. Uranium enrichment remains the core subject of the dispute with the United States, which has demanded an end to the activity. Iran has increased enrichment levels to 60 percent -- short of weapons-grade, but far above the 3.67 percent limit set under the 2015 accord. Ravanchi reiterated that both zero enrichment and curbs on Iran's missile program are "out of the question," though Tehran could agree to temporary limits on its peaceful nuclear activities as part of a "win-win, fair deal." Ravanchi accused Washington of "tricking" Tehran by entering talks while simultaneously participating in military action. "The U.S. needs to clarify whether it is genuinely interested in win-win dialogue or in imposing its will," he said. He added that while compensation for the strikes was not a precondition for future talks, the issue would be raised during negotiations. "The U.S. attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities were illegal and caused serious damage. We have every right to seek compensation." Despite the escalation, Ravanchi said diplomatic channels remain open through intermediaries. "Iran is prepared to engage in dialogue with the U.S.," he said, but warned that renewed American threats would be met with firm defense. Britain, France, and Germany have warned that if no progress is made by the end of August, they will push to reinstate U.N. sanctions lifted under the 2015 deal. Ravanchi dismissed the deadline as "unilateral," but confirmed Tehran's willingness to continue talks with European powers. He stressed that Iran's nuclear program "will remain peaceful" and that Tehran is prepared to cooperate with the U.N. nuclear watchdog to ensure safe and transparent inspections, including at facilities damaged in the recent strikes in accordance with new guidelines to be agreed with the IAEA. Iran has repeatedly said its nuclear activities are for civilian purposes such as energy generation and medical research, while Western powers have long suspected it is seeking the capability to produce nuclear weapons. Japan, a long-time economic partner of Iran, joined other Group of Seven members in backing Israel and criticizing Tehran at the group's June summit in Canada. Ravanchi described the move as "unfair" and a "negative political shift" in bilateral relations.
United News of India
11-08-2025
- Business
- United News of India
Iran ready to accept some limits on nuclear programme in exchange for lifting economic sanctions, says Deputy FM
Tehran, Aug 11 (UNI) In an unexpected statement, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-e Ravanchi, has said that the country is willing to accept certain restrictions on its nuclear programme in exchange for lifting of economic sanctions, though ending uranium enrichment is not one of them, terming it non-negotiable. As per Iran International, the Deputy FM said, 'We can agree to have limits on our nuclear programme, and in return the economic sanctions must be lifted. 'Iran can be flexible on the capacities and limits of enrichment but cannot agree to stop enrichment under any circumstance because it's essential, and we need to rely on ourselves, not on empty promises.' Ravanchi further said that one principal obstacle to renewed talks with the US was the need for clarity over past US actions, referencing the US bombing of Iranian sites on June 22. 'The United States should explain to us about the reasons it resorted to the use of force against us. If we want to have a genuine dialogue, everybody has to be transparent. The United States in fact tricked us. They pretended that they wanted to talk, but they decided to go for the military option.' Emphasising Tehran's willingness to keep diplomacy open, he said, 'Iran remains prepared to engage in dialogue, but we cannot put an exact time on the dialogue. 'There have been messages going back and forth between Iran and the United States through intermediaries,' he added. So far, Tehran and Washington have held five rounds of talks between April and May this year in Muscat, Oman, and Rome, Italy. A sixth round was scheduled to take place in Muscat on June 15 but was indefinitely suspended, after Israel launched airstrikes on Iran two days earlier, culminating in the 12-day Israel-Iran war. In light of the Israeli assault, and the US bombing, post ceasefire, Iran suspended its treaty with the International Atomic Energy Agency, accusing it of harbouring political convictions, and supplying critical nuclear data to Israel. Recently, Tehran has agreed to re-negotiate its cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog during Rafael Grossi's visit, though has ruled out inspections. UNI ANV SS
See - Sada Elbalad
04-07-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Iran Says Uranium Enrichment ‘Non-Negotiable'
Taarek Refaat Iran has signaled a conditional willingness to return to the negotiating table with the United States, but made it clear that halting uranium enrichment is not up for discussion. The remarks come from Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi, who spoke to Iranian media on Friday in the wake of heightened tensions following a recent U.S. military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. Speaking to reporters in Tehran, Ravanchi condemned what he described as a 'blatant attack' by the United States on Iran's nuclear infrastructure last month. 'The United States caused severe damage to our peaceful nuclear program through its unprovoked assault,' he said. 'However, as long as Washington refrains from further acts of aggression, we do not intend to retaliate militarily at this time.' Despite his harsh criticism, Ravanchi struck a cautious note of openness. 'We do not trust the Americans, especially after they launched attacks during what were supposed to be negotiations,' he noted. 'But Iran remains open to renewed dialogue—if, and only if, the U.S. government can provide credible assurances that it will not resort to military force while talks are ongoing.' He emphasized that such guarantees are essential for Iranian leadership to consider re-engaging in serious diplomatic efforts. 'For our leadership to authorize a new round of negotiations, confidence in the peaceful intent of the other side is non-negotiable,' Ravanchi said. 'Diplomacy and dialogue are our preferred path, but not at the cost of national sovereignty or security.' Addressing Iran's nuclear policy, Ravanchi stated unequivocally that Tehran has not altered its position on uranium enrichment. 'Under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran has the full right to enrich uranium on its own soil,' he said. 'The only limitation is that this program must remain peaceful and non-militarized.' While reiterating that Iran's nuclear ambitions are civilian in nature, Ravanchi did express readiness for transparency and engagement. 'We are prepared to discuss the scope, level, and capacity of our enrichment program with international partners,' he said. 'But abandoning enrichment is not an option.' His comments reflect a nuanced position: a mix of steadfast defiance regarding Iran's sovereign nuclear rights, paired with a pragmatic acknowledgment that diplomacy remains the only viable long-term solution to the ongoing standoff with the West. The international community will be watching closely to see whether this rhetorical opening from Tehran leads to any tangible diplomatic movement—or if the deadlock will persist amid lingering mistrust and the specter of further escalation. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
Indian Express
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘US must rule out more strikes before new talks,' says Iran minister amid Israel-Iran ceasefire
The United States must eliminate any possibility of further strikes on Iran if it wants to resume diplomatic talks, Tehran's Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said amid a ceasefire in hostilities between Israel and Iran announced last week, which was brokered by US President Donald Trump and Qatar. Ravanchi said that the Trump administration conveyed its message to Tehran via mediators that it wants to return to the negotiation table regarding Iran's nuclear program but had 'not made their position clear' on the 'very important question' as talks take place between the two countries, reported BBC. In the last couple of months, the US and Iran have had at least five rounds of mainly indirect talks regarding the Islamic Republic's nuclear program and the sanctions imposed by Washington. The sixth round of talks were scheduled to take place on June 15 in Muscat but Israel launched its offensive against Tehran on June 13 and the plan for further talks were foiled. The United States also got directly involved in the conflict between Tel Aviv and Tehran, when its 125 military aircrafts, including B-2 Stealth bombers dropped bombs and targeted three Iranian nuclear sites, namely Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. America codenamed the operation as 'Midnight Hammer'. Ravanchi reiterated Iran's stance of allowing to enrich uranium as they are for 'peaceful purposes' and rejected the accusations of the West that Tehran was secretly developing a nuclear weapon. Iran's deputy foreign minister said 'The level of that can be discussed, the capacity can be discussed, but to say that you should not have enrichment, you should have zero enrichment, and if you do not agree, we will bomb you, that is the law of the jungle,' BBC reported. The extent of damage to Iran's nuclear program due to strikes by the US and Israel remains unclear and the minister refused to give an exact assessment of the situation.
Shafaq News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iran warns US: Nuclear talks at risk over enrichment demands
Shafaq News/ On Monday, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht-Ravanchi warned that nuclear negotiations with the United States risk collapsing if Washington insists on its enrichment conditions. 'The talks will lead nowhere if the US continues to demand that Iran stop all enrichment activities,' Ravanchi confirmed to Iran's Nour News agency. The remarks followed a statement from US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, who outlined a firm red line on uranium enrichment. In an interview with ABC News on Sunday, Witkoff reiterated that Washington would not accept 'even 1%' enrichment, describing the issue as non-negotiable. He argued that any level of enrichment could bring Iran closer to developing a nuclear weapon, which the US is determined to prevent. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the American stance, reaffirming that enrichment activities in Iran will continue for peaceful purposes. Ravanchi, in turn, proposed the idea of forming a regional nuclear consortium —including Iran, the United States, and neighboring countries—if the initiative is approached with serious intent.
