ABBAS ARAGHCHI
TEHRAN : In only five meetings over nine weeks, US special envoy Steve Witkoff and I
achieved more than I did in four years of nuclear negotiations with the failed
Biden administration. We were on the cusp of a historic breakthrough. To address
US concerns that Iran may one day divert its peaceful nuclear programme, we
held detailed, frank discussions — including on the future of Iranian uranium
enrichment. There were several ideas for a win-win solution, put forward by both
sides, and by Oman.
Equally important, we also focused on the termination of sanctions and US
involvement in wider economic co-operation that constituted a trillion-dollar
opportunity. Iran was open to mutually beneficial collaboration that would
electrify the Iranian economy and address US President Donald Trump’s priority
to revive dying American industries, such as the nuclear energy sector.
Things were looking up, with a flurry of messages exchanged. But only 48 hours
before a pivotal sixth meeting, Israel launched an unprovoked assault on my
country. In addition to safeguarded nuclear facilities, homes, hospitals, our
essential energy infrastructure and even prisons were bombed. Cowardly killings
of academics and their families were also carried out. This was a profound
betrayal of diplomacy. As Iran-US dialogue was finally gaining momentum, the
reckless bombardment sent an unambiguous message: Israel prefers conflict over
resolution (The writer is foreign minister of Iran)
