Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament’s national security committee, stated on Monday that Iran is open to potential negotiations with the United States, provided that the administration of President Donald Trump demonstrates genuine sincerity. According to an interview with CNN, Azizi emphasized that Tehran currently lacks trust in the American president’s assertions regarding the proximity of a deal.
Why Does Iran Question US Sincerity?
The primary obstacle to meaningful dialogue, according to Azizi, is a lack of trust stemming from past and ongoing American behavior. Azizi, who also leads Iran’s foreign policy committee, explicitly stated, “We don’t think he’s honest,” when asked about Donald Trump’s claims that a bilateral agreement is near. He explained that for Iran, any negotiation must be viewed as a “continuation of the battlefield.” Without a tangible shift in US policy—specifically regarding the freezing of Iranian assets—Tehran remains skeptical of Washington’s commitment to a realistic framework.
What Are the Sticking Points for Future Negotiations?
Azizi identified the freezing of Iranian assets as the most significant barrier to moving forward. He claimed that the US had previously reached an agreement to release these funds, but that the current refusal to do so is blocking progress. Furthermore, the Iranian official maintained a firm stance on internal policy, stating that the Islamic Republic is unwilling to compromise on its development of enriched uranium or its broader stance on the “resistance front,” particularly regarding Lebanon.
Can a Peace Agreement Be Reached?
The possibility of a long-term peace agreement rests entirely on US actions, according to Azizi. He warned that if current behaviors persist, the lack of trust makes the continuation of negotiations impossible. Azizi clarified that Iran requires proof that American negotiators are willing to submit to the “rules of negotiation” and act in a way that respects Iran’s economic and financial interests. As noted by Goldie Katz, who contributed to the report, the path forward remains contingent on whether these conditions are met in practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Iran want to negotiate with the US?
According to Ebrahim Azizi, Iran has “no problem” with negotiating if it can be convinced that the US president and his team are acting with sincerity and following established rules of diplomacy.
What is the biggest obstacle to a deal?
The main sticking point is the implementation of a realistic framework, which Azizi claims is currently blocked by the US freezing of Iranian assets.
Will Iran change its nuclear policy?
No. Azizi stated clearly that the Islamic Republic is unwilling to budge on the issues of enriched uranium and nuclear weapons.
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