Iranian official says US 'maximalist' demands stall face-to-face talks
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- Iran is not ready for new face-to-face talks with the U.S., citing Washington's refusal to drop "maximalist" demands on key issues, according to Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh.
- Khatibzadeh rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that Iran would hand over enriched uranium, stating that no enriched material will be shipped to the U.S.
- Iran demands a "framework agreement" before in-person meetings and insists that the U.S. address its concerns about illegal unilateral sanctions and economic pressure targeting the Iranian people.
- Iran maintains that its actions in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict are defensive and insists the ceasefire should include Lebanon, despite Israel and the U.S. denying this extension.
- A new protocol for the Strait of Hormuz will be part of negotiations with the U.S., aiming to keep it open and safe for civilian passage, while the U.S. warns that a blockade and attacks could resume if no agreement is reached.
