Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on the 30th (local time) that the country is ready to return to nuclear talks with the United States. He said, "If it is a reasonable and fair diplomatic process, we are willing to participate in nuclear negotiations."
After talks in Istanbul with Türkiye Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Minister Araghchi said at a press conference that "Iran has never pursued nuclear weapons, and nuclear weapons are not a consideration for our security." He also pushed back against U.S. military pressure and prodding on nuclear talks, saying, "Under no circumstances can we accept unilateral coercion."
He said, "Iran's defense capabilities and missiles cannot be subjects of negotiation," adding, "Iran is ready to negotiate, but it is also prepared to avoid war." On potential talks with the United States, he said, "If a table is set, discussions must come first," noting that the format, location, and agenda of the talks must be set.
Regarding the European Union's designation of Iran's elite IRGC as a terrorist organization, Minister Araghchi called it "the EU's strategic miscalculation," and criticized, "If the IRGC had not fought terrorism such as IS, Europe would have had to fight terrorism on its own streets."
Minister Fidan offered condolences over deaths that occurred during protests in Iran and said he was relieved the situation had calmed. He said, "The resumption of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran is important for easing tensions in the region," and stated his opposition to military intervention against Iran.