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Iran is prepared to reinitiate atomic discussions with the United States provided that it is treated with "dignity" and "honor", Iran's top diplomat has announced.

The Iranian diplomat stated exclusively dialogue produced results, and shared fresh requests had originated from go-betweens to resume talks with the US government. He said Iran did not have secret atomic facilities, and Iran could not yet authorize the global atomic watchdog to inspect bombed nuclear sites for safety concerns.

Navigating a Difficult Path

The foreign minister is treading a difficult route since Iran does not want be perceived to be operating from a situation of vulnerability, and he consistently maintained that Iran had come out stronger in military terms and mentally from the coordinated strike on its nuclear sites in June.

He was speaking at a security conference in Tehran where he restated that Iran had "a fundamental entitlement to refine atomic fuel within its borders that it will perpetually retain" – the main reason of the deadlock in the previous talks.

Earlier Talks Unexpectedly Terminated

The earlier sessions of discussions between the United States and Iran were brought to an abrupt and hostile termination on 12 June when the Israeli government, with US support, targeted Iranian nuclear sites in a 12-day war that culminated with Donald Trump claiming the locations had been eliminated. Following this, European countries exercised their privilege to reinstate global restrictions, but Iran asserts they have not had a significant effect.

Perfect Agreement Proposed

Iranian officials said they felt they had achieved a "perfect agreement" to the enrichment issue in previous talks, when it was decided an Iran-based consortium with US participation could enrich uranium. Both sides would have been able to declare success since domestic enrichment would have remained and the US could be assured that Iran's nuclear programme was solely for peaceful purposes.

It had not been decided in the negotiations that American atomic experts could function on Iranian soil, but that was a natural consequence of the consortium proposal. Officials stated three times they had reached agreement with Washington's diplomat the US official only for the deal to fall apart due to "spoilers in Washington".

Existing Status

Tehran representatives stated the consortium offer was now no longer available, but it seems highly likely the suggestion could be resurrected in various formats if discussions resume.

The US president recently said he had been receiving messages that Iran desired to reopen negotiations, but confidentially Tehran representatives say they are not yet receiving consistent overtures from Washington either straightforwardly or from significant local go-betweens, such as the Qatari government, the Egyptian leadership, the Omani authorities and Saudi Arabia. The Iran's state department has been criticized of non-responsiveness in the face of the US president's straightforward manner, but Iran says negotiations is not part of a performance.

Negotiating Stance

In his speech to the forum, aimed to paint the US as a hegemonic power that misuses the notion of international law, the foreign minister stated the 12-day war revealed the conflict could not be ended by military means. He stated the assaults began with a American requirement for an total Iran submission and concluded with an unconditional call for a halt to hostilities.

Iran is convinced the first strikes by Israel were carried out with total Washington understanding and collaboration, making faith difficult to restore.

Dialogue Stays the Final Answer

Araghchi stated: "Tehran was not the one that had deserted negotiations; it was the United States and the Western nations that had always attempted to dictate their demands during the talks. Dialogue can still be alive and stays the primary resolution to resolve disagreements, but its criteria, rules and principles must be followed."

"Provided that they address to the nation of Iran with the language of dignity and respect, they will get a reply in the same language."

Repair and Recovery

In what is characterized by Tehran representatives as the conflict of repair and reconstruction, Araghchi said he was assured Iran's defence capabilities "are much stronger than preceding 13 or 14 June of this year. All our capabilities have been reestablished. We acquired numerous insights from this conflict; we have discovered our personal limitations and the shortcomings of the enemy."

He continued: "We effectively endured this war. Our atomic expertise, which they aimed to obliterate, remains in place. The facilities and equipment, if damaged, will be rebuilt; what is important is the determination of the citizens of Tehran and then the national cohesion that they targeted, but were unable to destroy. The nation of Iran have become stronger, more cohesive, and more supportive of the government and the country in the aftermath of this invasion."