They say they are ready to talk about the nuclear programme, but only about the nuclear programme. Even on the nuclear programme, Iran says it would not give up its “right” to peaceful enrichment, and top officials, including Ali Larijani, have resisted calls for transferring its enriched uranium stockpile. “Even if Iran reaches a deal with the U.S. over its nuclear programme, Israel would still call it a threat. Mr. Trump then claimed that the U.S. attacks had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear programme. “If the U.S. is pursuing gunboat diplomacy through a military build-up along with talks, Iran is responding in kind — talking while preparing for war.”

Source: The Hindu February 24, 2026 13:05 UTC