Nuclear Negotiations Proceed with a Cautious, Evaluative Approach
WANA (Feb 08) – Iran’s Foreign Minister says Tehran has entered the current round of nuclear talks with a cautious and evaluative approach, drawing lessons from previous negotiations and the recent war. He stressed that the continuation of the talks will depend on assessing the other side’s seriousness.
On Sunday, February 8, speaking on the sidelines of the First National Congress on Foreign Policy and the History of Foreign Relations, held at the Institute for Political and International Studies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi outlined the latest developments concerning negotiations between Iran and the United States.
Talks Limited to the Nuclear File; Continuation Under Review
Araghchi emphasized that the recent discussions in Muscat were confined strictly to the nuclear issue and would remain within this framework if they continue.
According to him, the results of Friday’s talks are still under review. Although both sides expressed a general willingness at the conclusion of the meeting to proceed, a final decision will depend on internal assessments in Tehran and Washington.
First Round as a Test of Seriousness
The foreign minister described the initial round of talks as “exploratory,” stating that its primary objective was to gauge the credibility and seriousness of the other party in pursuing a negotiated solution. He added that the U.S. side has likewise indicated it is assessing Iran’s seriousness.
Sanctions and Military Movements Fuel Doubts
Araghchi noted that while there are signs of an interest in progress, the continuation of certain sanctions and military activities has raised doubts about the other side’s readiness.
He said Iran is evaluating all these signals simultaneously, and any decision regarding the future of the negotiations will be based on this comprehensive assessment.
Format Not the Core Issue; Substantive Differences Are
Emphasizing that indirect negotiations are common practice in international relations, Araghchi stated that the format of the talks does not constitute an obstacle to an agreement. The real barriers, he said, lie in unrealistic demands and substantive disagreements. If the U.S. approach is grounded in mutual interests and fair conduct, he added, an agreement remains possible.
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)
Confidence-Building Measures in Exchange for Sanctions Relief
Araghchi announced that Iran is prepared, within the framework of negotiations, to consider certain confidence-building measures in its nuclear program—provided that the genuine lifting of sanctions is placed firmly on the agenda.
He stressed that the details of such measures would be determined during the course of the talks.
Active Regional Role Alongside the Talks
The foreign minister identified the active involvement of regional countries as one of the key differences between the current negotiations and those that led to the 2015 agreement.
He clarified that this does not imply direct intervention, but rather ongoing consultations aimed at reducing tensions and supporting the diplomatic track.
Parallel Consultations with China and Russia
Araghchi also said that Iran has been keeping China and Russia informed of the details and progress of the negotiations, and that these consultations will continue. He described the two countries as important international partners of Iran.
Enrichment: A Red Line
The foreign minister pointed to the United States’ previous insistence on “zero enrichment” as the central point of contention in pre-war negotiations, calling the demand unacceptable for Iran—both then and now.
He stated that enrichment technology is the product of indigenous expertise, achieved at significant scientific and human cost.
Missile and Military Issues Not on the Agenda
In conclusion, Araghchi dismissed speculation about the inclusion of missile and regional issues in the talks, stating that such matters have not been on the agenda.
He also emphasized that Iran does not accept the presence of any military officials in the negotiation process, adding that such developments would have no impact on the course of the talks.
LATEST UPDATES ON IRAN-U.S. NUCLEAR TALKS / FEB 08
WANA – Our team is closely monitoring the latest developments regarding the new round of Iran–U.S. nuclear talks here. Nuclear Negotiations Proceed with a Cautious, Evaluative Approach WANA (Feb 08) – Iran’s Foreign Minister says Tehran has entered the current round of nuclear talks with a cautious and evaluative approach, drawing lessons […]
