USA - Iran · NEW
Iran hardens conditions for renewed talks with the United States
Iran said on 20 October that talks with Washington would begin only after its conditions were met and that enriched uranium would remain in the country.
Both parties to the conflict are presented separately, followed by a factual neutral assessment.
U.S. account
US Vice President JD Vance had said Iran must make a meaningful reduction in its uranium-enrichment capacity to satisfy US demands and end the war. Washington and other Western governments point to enrichment of up to 60 percent; Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons.
Iranian account
Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei told Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir that there would be no talks until the United States met Iran's conditions. All enriched nuclear material would remain in Iran. Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf cited seven conditions, including an end to the US port blockade and the lifting of oil sanctions.
Neutral editorial assessment
Reuters, AFP and Iranian state media agree on the core Iranian statements. The positions nevertheless remain far apart; Pakistan's mediation shows continuing contact but not yet a rapprochement or a date for renewed negotiations.
Direct sources
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