Takht-Ravanchi: For Talks to Resume, the U.S. Must Rule Out Any Further Attacks on Iran

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister emphasized that every country has the legitimate right to defend itself against aggression and warned that the United States must adopt a clear position rejecting further hostile action if it truly seeks to resume diplomatic negotiations.

News ID: ۲۰۰۱۵۲۱

30 June 2025

Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran, stated in an interview that the U.S. must categorically rule out any further attacks on Iran if it wishes to return to negotiations.

U.S. Communicated Interest in Returning to Talks Through Intermediaries

The BBC reported that Takht-Ravanchi, in an interview with the British outlet, said that the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump had conveyed through intermediaries its intention to resume talks with Iran. However, Washington has so far refused to clearly address a “very important issue” — whether or not further attacks would be conducted during the negotiation process.

The Israeli regime launched an aggressive military assault on Iran at dawn on June 12, targeting nuclear facilities, military centers, and civilian sites including hospitals, Evin Prison, and residential neighborhoods. The strikes led to the martyrdom of several senior military commanders, nuclear scientists, and innocent civilians.

On June 22, the U.S. directly intervened by striking three Iranian nuclear facilities — Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz — with bunker-busting bombs. Though the sites sustained heavy damage, reports indicate no significant increase in external radiation levels.

Iran responded to these acts of aggression through operations named "True Promise 3" and "Herald of Victory".

These assaults ceased following a ceasefire proposal from the U.S. on June 23.

The attacks — which Washington has openly admitted to supporting and coordinating — occurred on the eve of the sixth round of indirect Iran-U.S. talks brokered by Oman.

President Trump, who had previously offered a two-week window for renewed talks following the airstrikes, went on to authorize aggressive strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites just days after making that statement.

Iranian authorities have underscored that no negotiations can take place as long as aggressive military actions persist.

President Trump has declared that he will not allow Iran to enrich uranium, while Iran insists on its sovereign right to do so — arguing that the U.S. is in no position to dictate the terms of a peaceful nuclear program that has been under the strictest international scrutiny by the IAEA.

Iran Will "Insist" on Enriching Uranium for Peaceful Purposes

According to the BBC, Takht-Ravanchi said that Iran will “insist” on its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes and dismissed accusations that it is secretly developing nuclear weapons.

The deputy foreign minister emphasized that Iran has been “deprived of access to nuclear material for its research program,” which is essential for national self-sufficiency.

“It’s jungle law to say: You must not enrich uranium at all, and if you refuse, we’ll bomb you.”

On the issue of restricting uranium enrichment, he added: “The level and capacity can be discussed. But to say you must have zero enrichment, and if you disagree, we’ll bomb you — that’s the law of the jungle.”

The BBC also noted that the full extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear program as a result of U.S. strikes remains unclear, and Takht-Ravanchi said he could not provide a precise assessment.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that the strikes had caused “severe but not total” damage, while President Trump claimed the sites were “completely destroyed.”

Grossi further stated that Iran could restart uranium enrichment within “a few months.” Takht-Ravanchi responded by saying he did not know whether that was true.

Iran, viewing Grossi’s report as biased and as having paved the way for recent Israeli and American aggression, suspended cooperation with the IAEA following a parliamentary resolution passed last Wednesday.

Trump Threatens Further Bombings If Enrichment Continues

President Trump has stated that if intelligence indicates Iran is enriching uranium to worrisome levels, he would “definitely” consider launching further airstrikes.

Iran has condemned such statements and emphasized its determination to defend its national interests and territorial integrity with strength.

No Date Set for Return to Talks

The BBC reported that Takht-Ravanchi said no date has been set for the possible resumption of talks, and he is unaware of what would be on the agenda should talks occur this week as Trump has suggested.

“We are now focused on answering this question: Will there be more aggression while negotiations are ongoing?” he said.

U.S. Must Be Fully Transparent to Build Trust

Takht-Ravanchi stressed: “The U.S. must be completely transparent about this very important issue and what it proposes to build the trust necessary for any such dialogue.”

When asked whether Iran might consider revising its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief and foreign investment as part of any deal, he responded: “Why should we accept such a proposal?”

He emphasized that Iran’s program, including uranium enrichment up to 60 percent, is “for peaceful purposes.”

Under the 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers, Iran was not allowed to enrich uranium above 3.67% — the level required for civilian nuclear power — and was barred from enrichment at Fordow for 15 years.

However, Trump unilaterally withdrew from the deal in 2018 during his first term, claiming the agreement was insufficient to block Iran’s path to a bomb. He reimposed sanctions and maintained them until the end of his term.

In response, after 18 months of enduring sanctions and unmet European commitments to normalize trade relations, Iran announced that it would gradually scale back its voluntary commitments under Article 36 of the deal. Iran has said it would reverse these steps if all parties fully return to their obligations.

Western Leaders Who Won’t Criticize the U.S. Should Stay Silent, Not Justify Aggression

According to the BBC, Takht-Ravanchi called some Western leaders’ support for U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran “laughable” in response to concerns about distrust toward Iran.

He said that those criticizing Iran’s nuclear program “should instead criticize the way we’ve been treated” and challenge the U.S. and Israel.

“If they don’t have the courage to criticize America, they should stay silent rather than attempt to justify aggression,” he added.

Takht-Ravanchi also noted that through intermediaries, Iran had received messages that the U.S. “has no intention of targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei” or seeking regime change.

He emphasized that such a move “will not happen” and described the idea as “a futile act.”

Iranians Will Unite Against Foreign Aggression

He said that while “some Iranians may criticize certain government actions,” they will unite in the face of foreign aggression to confront it.

Iran Will Honor the Ceasefire — So Long As It Is Not Attacked

The deputy foreign minister said it is “not clear” whether the ceasefire with Israel will hold, but Iran will abide by it “as long as there is no military attack against us.”

He added that Iran’s Arab allies in the Gulf are “trying to create space for dialogue,” with Qatar playing a key role so far.

We Seek Diplomacy, Not War — But Must Be Prepared

Takht-Ravanchi concluded: “We do not want war. We want to engage in dialogue and diplomacy. But we must be prepared and cautious so we are not caught off guard again.”/isna