Below is a complete transcript of the top contributions of Iranian diplomats.
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In just five meetings over nine weeks, US envoy Steve Witkoff and I achieved more than we had done in our four-year nuclear negotiations with the failed Biden administration. We were in the cusp of a historic breakthrough. To address concerns that Iran might one day deflect its peaceful nuclear program, we held a detailed and honest discussion, including the future of Iran’s uranium enrichment. There were several ideas in the win-win solution submitted by both sides and Oman.
Equally important, it also focused on the end of sanctions and the US involvement in broader economic cooperation that constitutes a trillion dollar opportunity. Iran was open to mutually beneficial collaborations addressing US President Donald Trump’s priorities to electrify the Iranian economy and revive dying American industries such as the nuclear energy sector.
Things were staring up as messages blew through. However, Israel launched an unprovoked attack on my country just 48 hours before the sixth meeting. Protected nuclear facilities, homes, hospitals, our essential energy infrastructure, and even prisons have been bombed. Coronavirus murders of scholars and their families were also carried out. This was a deep betrayal of diplomacy. As the dialogue between Iran and the US finally gained momentum, the reckless artillery fire sent a clear message. Israel prefers conflict over resolution.
Israel falsely claimed that its air force intended to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. In reality, as a signatory to non-compulsory treaties, Iran has always committed to a peaceful nuclear program under UN surveillance. The dignified nation under attack resisted the attack vehemently until Israel had to resort to President Trump to end the war that Iran started.
Once treated unfairly, Iran is now double cautious. Our commitment to act responsibly to avoid a full-scale regional war should not be misunderstood as weakness. We will defeat future attacks on our people. And once the day comes, we will reveal our true capabilities to dispel illusions about Iran’s power.
Needless to say, progress in talks between Iran and the US has been hampered. Not by Iran, but by ostensible American allies. This goes without saying about the fateful decision by the US that it will allow itself to undermine international law and NPT with its own strike.
Iran recently received a message indicating that the US may be ready to return to negotiations, but how can you trust further involvement? Iran signed a comprehensive nuclear deal with six countries in 2015, including the United States, which Washington unilaterally abolished three years later. And after agreeing to a new negotiation in good faith, we saw our good intentions reciprocated in an attack by two nuclear-armed troops.
Iran is interested in diplomacy, but there are good reasons to question further dialogue. If there is a desire to resolve this in a friendly way, the US should show genuine preparation for a fair agreement. Washington should also know that behavior over the last few weeks has changed the situation.
The Iranians never agree to surrender. Iran is a civilization thousands of years ago, overcoming countless invasions and becoming stronger each time. We have always liked peace, but we have always decided when and how to end the attacks on people. As the Israeli regime’s miscalculation proved, Iranians always gather in unity against the invaders.
The negotiations held under the shadow of war are inherently unstable, and the dialogue pursued in the threat is by no means authentic. For diplomacy to be successful, it must be built on mutual respect. They will also be unable to survive lasting interference from third parties who fear a resolution. Americans deserve to know that their country is being directed towards a completely evasive and unjust war by foreign regimes that do not share their interests. When it comes to Washington, we should know that aggression has valued our scientists and their achievements more than ever before.
Trump’s promise of “America First” is actually twisted towards “Israel First.” It appears that Americans had enough, as they witnessed the lives of thousands of Americans and the trillion dollar sacrifices of taxpayers in our area. The road to peace requires the recognition in the United States that respectful dialogue is the only sustainable way, rather than reckless coercion.
The choice is from the US. Will the US ultimately choose to diplomacy? Or will you stay caught up in someone else’s war?
MNA