Iraqchi Announced Iran's Readiness for Negotiations Based on the 'JCPOA Formula'

The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran stated that Tehran is ready to resume nuclear negotiations with the West based on the 'previous JCPOA formula,' which he claims includes 'confidence-building regarding Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.' Abbas Iraqchi, during his visit to China, gave an interview to the country's CCTV network, the content of which was reflected in domestic media on Friday, January 4. He regarded the JCPOA as the result of 'good faith negotiations' and considered the U.S. withdrawal from this agreement a 'major strategic mistake.' He further emphasized the feasibility of diplomatic solutions and mentioned that the new U.S. administration must formulate its policy, and the Islamic Republic of Iran will decide based on that. The Iranian Foreign Minister also referred to the 'constructive role' of China and Russia in past negotiations and called for the continuation of these collaborations. Iraqchi also pointed to the developments of the past ten years, asserting that Iran is ready for constructive negotiations to achieve a new agreement and expressed hope that diplomatic efforts could lead to a favorable outcome. Donald Trump, the elected President of the United States, repeatedly emphasized during his recent election campaign the return to the so-called 'maximum pressure' policy against the Islamic Republic of Iran and deemed the 2015 agreement between global powers and Iran insufficient due to its exclusion of missile programs and destabilizing activities in the Middle East. He withdrew from the nuclear agreement known as the 'JCPOA' during his first term in office, which had been concluded under the Democratic administration of Barack Obama. Some senior U.S. officials have stated that the United States is concerned that the Islamic Republic of Iran, which has recently weakened due to Middle Eastern developments, may move towards producing a nuclear bomb. Meanwhile, high-ranking officials close to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic and several members of the Iranian parliament have repeatedly threatened the West with the construction and production of a nuclear bomb. Axios reported on Thursday, citing three informed sources, that Joe Biden discussed options for attacking Iranian nuclear facilities with his national security team weeks ago if Tehran moves towards a nuclear weapon. Iraqchi warned about the possibility of changing Iran's nuclear policy; Netanyahu's reaction. Abbas Iraqchi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, also warned on November 29 during a meeting with journalists in Portugal that if Western countries continue their threats regarding the reinstatement of all UN sanctions against Iran, it is likely that Tehran will also change its approach towards producing nuclear weapons. However, about ten days ago, Jake Sullivan, national security advisor to Joe Biden, stated that he believes that given the regional developments and Iran's 'weak position' at present, the Trump administration has the opportunity to pursue diplomacy with Tehran and reach a nuclear agreement to curb Iran's long-term nuclear ambitions.