US-Iran spar over nuclear negotiations at UN
The United States and Iran exchanged sharp accusations at the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday over the future of nuclear negotiations, underscoring deep divisions that continue to block a return to diplomacy.
Washington said it remains open to resuming talks with Tehran, but only under strict conditions. Speaking at the council, US Deputy Middle East Envoy Morgan Ortagus said the United States is ready for direct and substantive negotiations if Iran is willing to engage seriously. She stressed that any new agreement must prohibit uranium enrichment inside Iran, calling it a core US requirement to prevent the risk of nuclear weapons development.
Iran swiftly rejected that stance, saying Washington’s position makes genuine negotiations impossible. Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani told the council that a zero-enrichment demand violates Iran’s rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, arguing that the US is attempting to impose predetermined outcomes rather than pursue fair talks. He said Iran would not yield to pressure or intimidation.
The exchange comes months after five rounds of indirect nuclear talks collapsed following a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel in June, during which the United States joined Israel in striking Iranian nuclear facilities. Disagreements over Iran’s enrichment program had already stalled progress before the fighting erupted.
Tensions have since intensified. In late September, the United Nations reimposed an arms embargo and other sanctions on Iran after Britain, France and Germany triggered the so-called snapback mechanism, citing alleged violations of the 2015 nuclear deal. Russia and China opposed the move, questioning its legality.
Iran continues to deny seeking nuclear weapons, insisting its nuclear activities are for civilian purposes, while Western powers say stronger restrictions are needed to ensure regional and global security.
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