Iran Says US Strikes Complicate Possible Nuclear Talks, As Trump Mulls New Action

Tehran/Washington, June 28, 2025 — Iran’s foreign minister has acknowledged that the possibility of renewed negotiations with the United States over Tehran’s nuclear programme has become “complicated” following recent American airstrikes that inflicted “serious damage” on three sites.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking amid escalating regional tensions, said his country remains open to dialogue but cautioned that fresh talks are unlikely in the near future.

The comments follow U.S. strikes on Iranian sites, which have further strained relations between the two nations. The U.S. was a party to the 2015 nuclear deal that placed limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the agreement collapsed after former President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the accord during his first term.

Trump has recently suggested a willingness to engage in new negotiations with Iran and indicated the two sides might meet next week. However, he also warned on Friday that he would consider further military action if Iran pursued uranium enrichment levels that Washington finds unacceptable. He added that he would insist on inspections of Iranian nuclear facilities by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) or other reputable organizations.

Meanwhile, during Friday prayers, Iranian clerics underscored Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s claim that the recent conflict had been a victory for Iran. Hamzeh Khalili, who serves as deputy chief justice, declared that courts would prosecute alleged spies for Israel “in a special way.” Iran executed several individuals already in custody during the recent hostilities on charges of espionage.

Separately, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke by phone on Thursday to discuss efforts to promote peace between Israel and Iran. A section of Pakistan’s embassy in Washington represents Iranian interests, as Iran and the U.S. do not maintain direct diplomatic relations.

“The two leaders acknowledged the importance of working together to promote a durable peace between Israel and Iran,” said a U.S. State Department statement. Rubio reiterated that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon. Currently, Israel remains the only country in West Asia widely believed to possess nuclear arms.