USA: Resumption of Nuclear Talks Conditional on Practical Steps by the Islamic Republic

The spokesperson for the U.S. State Department stated in a press conference on Tuesday that if Iran wants to return to dialogue and diplomacy, it must take practical steps to reduce tensions and address concerns regarding its nuclear program. Matthew Miller deemed some steps taken by the Islamic Republic to reduce nuclear tensions as ineffective, adding, "The Islamic Republic must first fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency." In response to a question from a Voice of America reporter regarding reports that the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic has allowed direct negotiations with the United States, he said, "The U.S. prefers to proceed step by step for now and verify the claims of the Islamic Republic." Matthew Miller also addressed media reports about "the infiltration of a network of Islamic Republic agents into Western political circles," stating that this relates to a decade ago and that most individuals mentioned in this report no longer hold positions in the U.S. government, with one individual currently working for the U.S. Department of Defense undergoing a full background check for a security clearance. On Tuesday, October 4, reports emerged claiming that three Iranian-American analysts who closely worked with Robert Malley, the former U.S. envoy for Iran, were members of a network allegedly created and directed by Tehran. Blinken: Iran's nuclear activities threaten the security of regional countries and beyond. Grossi's request from Eslami: Guarantee the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program. Raisi defended uranium enrichment to levels close to weapons-grade. Mora: A comprehensive and verifiable agreement is the solution to Iran's nuclear program. Blinken: Iran has no interest in playing a responsible role in its nuclear program.