Iran Considers Nuclear Talks with U.S., Rejects Dismantling Peaceful Program

Iran stated on Sunday, March 9, 2025, that it would consider nuclear negotiations with the United States, focusing on external concerns regarding the potential weaponization of its nuclear program. This announcement, made via the Iranian mission to the UN's X account, follows criticism from Supreme Leader Ali Jamenei of U.S. President Donald Trump's "intimidation" tactics. Iran clarified that discussions are possible if they address weaponization concerns, but negotiations aimed at dismantling Iran's peaceful nuclear program are unacceptable. The statement references the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which provided sanctions relief in exchange for limits on Iran's nuclear activities. The U.S. withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, leading Iran to gradually reduce its commitments to the agreement.