WANA (Feb 11) – Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in an interview with the U.S. network PBS that Tehran is prepared, within the framework of nuclear negotiations, to discuss the level of uranium enrichment and the size of its stockpiles, provided that Iran’s “rights recognized under international treaties” are respected.

 

Referring to the resumption of indirect talks between Iran and the United States in Oman, Baghaei described returning to the negotiating table after nearly eight months as a “brave step,” noting that mistrust between the two countries runs deep.

 

He claimed that previous U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities had further complicated the negotiating atmosphere. According to him, messages in these talks were exchanged between the two sides—both in writing and verbally—through Oman’s foreign minister, and on the sidelines of one meeting, a brief and formal handshake took place between Iran’s foreign minister and the U.S. representative.

 

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson stressed that the negotiations should focus exclusively on the nuclear issue and that other matters, such as Iran’s missile program or regional policies, are not on the agenda.

 

Recalling that Iran has been a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) since 1970 and proposed the initiative for a “Middle East free of nuclear weapons” in 1974, he said Tehran has always emphasized the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Baghaei added that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has so far issued no report indicating any diversion in Iran’s nuclear program, and he described claims that Iran is close to developing a nuclear weapon as “baseless.”

 

He stated: “We have repeatedly said that we are ready to engage in talks about enrichment levels and stockpiles, but our rights, which are recognized under international treaties, must be respected.”

 

Elsewhere in the interview, Baghaei referred to military threats against Iran, saying that Tehran has faced such threats many times over past decades. He emphasized that no rational country seeks war, but that the Iranian people view these pressures as attempts to impose an external will.

 

Responding to a question about recent domestic protests, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that the right to peaceful assembly is recognized in Iran’s constitution, but added that after a few days, some unrest turned violent and “armed groups” became involved.

 

He described some of the reported casualty figures as “exaggerated,” noting that government bodies, including the presidential office, are reviewing the matter and will announce official figures on those killed.

 

In closing, Baghaei referred to Iran’s historical background and said Tehran has many reasons to be hopeful about overcoming the current difficult conditions and achieving results in the negotiations, stressing that Iran is “prepared for any scenario.”

An Iranian newspaper with a cover photo of Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, is seen in Tehran, Iran, February 7, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)