Iran Says Ready for Nuclear Talks, But Defense is Not for Discussion

Iran has said it is willing to have talks about its nuclear program with the United States. However, Iran made it clear that its missile program and other defense matters are not open for discussion. This comes as tensions in the region are high.
By Newsroom | World News, Middle East |

Recent diplomatic efforts reveal Iran's stated willingness to re-engage in nuclear talks with the United States. However, Tehran has firmly asserted that its missile program and broader defensive capabilities are non-negotiable. This stance emerges amidst escalating regional tensions and calls from US officials for direct engagement. Analysts, however, suggest Iran's position reflects a consistent policy rather than a new flexibility, raising questions about the potential for substantive breakthroughs.

Iran draws missile red line as analysts warn Tehran is stalling US talks - 1

Diplomatic Overtures Amidst Escalating Tensions

The period surrounding late January 2026 has seen intensified diplomatic activity aimed at preventing a direct confrontation between the United States and Iran.

Iran draws missile red line as analysts warn Tehran is stalling US talks - 2

  • Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has publicly stated Tehran's readiness to resume nuclear talks with Washington, emphasizing a focus on the nuclear issue.

  • During separate calls, Iran's President Pezeshkian reportedly informed the leaders of Turkey and Egypt that successful negotiations depend on the cessation of "warmongering and threatening actions in the region." He also conveyed Iran's conviction that war would not benefit Iran, the US, or the region.

  • The Qatari Prime Minister met with senior Iranian official Ali Larijani in Tehran to discuss ongoing efforts to de-escalate regional tensions.

  • US President Donald Trump has publicly called for an end to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's rule in Iran.

  • Indirect talks between US and Iranian diplomats concerning Iran's nuclear program have restarted for the first time since a war between the two nations occurred the previous year.

Iran's Non-Negotiable Defense Stance

A central tenet of Iran's diplomatic position, as articulated by its officials, is the exclusion of its missile program and defense capabilities from any negotiation agenda.

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Iran draws missile red line as analysts warn Tehran is stalling US talks - 3

  • Foreign Minister Araghchi has explicitly stated that Iran's defense capabilities, including its missile forces, are "non-negotiable."

  • This position underscores a delicate balance Tehran seeks to maintain between pursuing diplomacy and upholding its perceived right to deterrence.

  • Turkish officials, in their engagement with Iran, have highlighted the preference for diplomacy over military confrontation.

Concerns Over Nuclear Material Security

Beyond the diplomatic sphere, analysts have raised alarms regarding the potential risks associated with Iran's nuclear materials.

Iran draws missile red line as analysts warn Tehran is stalling US talks - 4

  • David Albright, a former nuclear weapons inspector, warned that in a scenario of internal chaos within Iran, the government might lose control of its nuclear assets.

  • He specifically highlighted Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium as particularly worrisome, suggesting a possibility of it falling into the wrong hands through theft.

  • A diplomat close to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that the agency has not received any updates from Iran regarding the status or location of its highly enriched uranium stockpile.

Stalemate Over Sanctions and Nuclear Program

The path to negotiations appears to be complicated by deeply entrenched positions on both sanctions and Iran's nuclear activities.

Read More: USA and Iran Talk About Nuclear Program

  • Iran demands the immediate removal of all sanctions, while the US favors a phased approach to lifting nuclear-related sanctions.

  • Analysts suggest that Iran's approach to these negotiations reflects a long-standing rigidity rather than a recent shift in policy.

  • The Iranian leadership reportedly lacks a clear fallback plan should efforts to resolve the nuclear dispute collapse, a scenario both Tehran and Washington hope to avoid.

  • Despite signaling a lack of enforcement for sanctions, China and Russia are seen as unable to shield Iran from unilateral US and European Union sanctions if talks fail.

Expert Analysis on Diplomatic Rigidity

Insights from analysts suggest that Iran's current diplomatic posture, while signaling openness to talks, is characterized by established principles that may limit flexibility.

"Trump's method, he says, is to apply maximum pressure and then settle for less while declaring victory."\— Article 1

"Analysts say Tehran's position reflects longstanding rigidity rather than a meaningful shift."\— Article 1

"Albright said that Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile 'would be the most worrisome,' adding that there is a possibility that someone could steal some of this material."\— Article 2

"Iran faces ‘a permanent state of crisis’ as time wanes and sanction pressure grows."\— Article 4

Conclusion

Iran's recent diplomatic signals indicate a willingness to engage in nuclear talks with the United States, yet Tehran has clearly delineated its missile and defense capabilities as off-limits for negotiation. This stance is being communicated amidst regional mediation efforts and ongoing, albeit indirect, diplomatic exchanges. Concerns persist among analysts regarding the security of Iran's nuclear materials and the potential for instability. The differing approaches to sanctions relief and the fundamental disagreement over what issues are open for discussion present substantial challenges to achieving a breakthrough in negotiations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Iran ready to talk with the US about its nuclear program?
Yes, Iran has said it is ready to restart talks about its nuclear program.
Q: What will Iran NOT talk about?
Iran has clearly stated that its missile program and other defense abilities are not for discussion.
Q: Are there worries about Iran's nuclear materials?
Yes, some experts worry that Iran's nuclear materials could be lost or stolen if there is trouble inside the country.
Q: What is the main problem in the talks?
Iran wants all money rules (sanctions) lifted right away. The US wants to lift them slowly. Also, Iran will not talk about its defense.