Iran cites U.S. demands as barrier to in-person talks

ANTALYA, Turkey — Iran is not prepared to engage in new face-to-face talks with U.S. officials, according to Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh. He cited Washington's refusal to abandon what he termed 'maximalist' demands on key issues as a significant barrier. Khatibzadeh emphasized, "I can tell you that no enriched material is going to be shipped to United States. This is non-starter and I can assure you that while we are ready to address any concerns that we do have, we're not going to accept things that are nonstarters."

Khatibzadeh's remarks came during an interview on the sidelines of a diplomacy forum in Turkey. He noted that while there have been numerous exchanges of messages between the two nations, the U.S. has not yet moved away from its excessive demands. "We are still not there yet to move on to an actual meeting because there are issues that the Americans have not yet abandoned their maximalist position," he stated. Iran is seeking to finalize a 'framework agreement' before proceeding to an in-person meeting.

The Iranian official also rejected claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Iran's enriched uranium, stating that Iran will not hand over any enriched material. Khatibzadeh called on the U.S. to address Iran's concerns, particularly regarding sanctions, which he described as 'economic terrorism' targeting the Iranian populace.

In relation to regional tensions, Khatibzadeh responded to questions about potential Iranian retaliation against Israeli attacks on Lebanon, asserting, "Iran has no option, just to stop aggressors once and forever." He reiterated Iran's position that any ceasefire must extend to Lebanon, where Israel has been engaged in conflict with Hezbollah.

Khatibzadeh indicated that a 'new protocol' would be established for the Strait of Hormuz as part of the negotiations with the U.S., ensuring it remains open for civilian passage. Trump has stated that a U.S. blockade of the Strait will continue unless an agreement is reached with Iran.

Power Read: The U.S. finds itself in a precarious position as Iran's refusal to engage in talks highlights the limitations of its current strategy. By maintaining its 'maximalist' demands, the U.S. risks further isolating itself from potential diplomatic resolutions while Iran positions itself as a defender against perceived aggression. The Iranian narrative of economic sanctions as 'terrorism' resonates domestically, potentially strengthening the regime's resolve against U.S. pressure.

What to watch: The upcoming negotiations regarding the Strait of Hormuz and any potential shifts in U.S. demands could significantly impact regional stability.