Speaking to foreign diplomats in Tehran, Araghchi said the U.S. has conveyed “multiple messages” about returning to the negotiation table, but Iran is “in no rush to enter into reckless negotiations.” Instead, Tehran demands assurances that further military action will not occur if the talks falter.

“The trend should not lead to war,” Araghchi said, referring to Israel’s 12-day bombardment of nuclear and military targets and a June 22 U.S. strike on three Iranian facilities. These actions significantly complicated the diplomatic environment and hardened Iran’s position.

President Donald Trump has expressed willingness to lift some sanctions if Iran returns to talks. His envoy Steve Witkoff is reportedly in contact with Araghchi to coordinate a potential meeting.

IAEA Oversight Faces New Limitations

The attacks have also led Iran to scale back its cooperation with the IAEA. While Araghchi claimed that cooperation "has not stopped," he noted that future inspections will be subject to Iran’s internal security reviews and handled by the Supreme National Security Council.

Iran has also reasserted its right to enrich uranium on its own soil—something Trump insists must be abandoned in any new deal. The disagreement over enrichment remains a key sticking point, especially as Iran reportedly continues enriching up to 60%, nearing weapons-grade levels.

Despite the tensions, a ceasefire between Iran and Israel brokered in late June has so far held. Whether negotiations can be revived will depend heavily on Washington’s ability to provide credible security guarantees to Tehran.