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Tehran is prepared to resume nuclear discussions with the United States as long as it is handled with "dignity" and "respect", Tehran's top diplomat has declared.

The Iranian diplomat stated only diplomacy was effective, and disclosed recent overtures had been made by mediators to resume discussions with the Trump administration. He said Iran did not have unreported enrichment locations, and Tehran had not yet reached a point to authorize the global atomic watchdog to inspect bombed nuclear sites for safety concerns.

Walking a Complex Route

Araghchi is treading a complex route since Iran aims to avoid be perceived to be acting from a stance of disadvantage, and he insisted repeatedly that Iran had come out stronger in military terms and psychologically from the joint assault on its atomic facilities in June.

He was speaking at a security conference in Tehran where he reiterated that Iran had "an inalienable right to enrich uranium on home soil that it will always maintain" – the key factor of the stalemate in the earlier negotiations.

Prior Discussions Suddenly Concluded

The earlier sessions of discussions between the US and Iran were concluded unexpectedly and acrimonious conclusion on 12 June when the Israeli government, with Washington's assistance, attacked Iranian nuclear sites in a fortnight-long engagement that ended with the American leader declaring the facilities had been eliminated. Afterward, European countries used their privilege to reinstate international penalties, but Iran maintains they have not had a major impact.

Magic Solution Suggested

Tehran representatives said they felt they had reached a "magic solution" to the nuclear fuel concern in previous talks, when it was settled an local partnership with Washington's engagement could enrich uranium. Each party would have been able to claim victory since domestic enrichment would have continued and the US could be assured that Iran's enrichment initiative was solely for peaceful purposes.

It had not been decided in the talks that US nuclear scientists could operate within Iranian territory, but that was a natural consequence of the consortium proposal. Representatives asserted repeatedly they had achieved a deal with the US representative the American negotiator only for the arrangement to collapse due to "spoilers in Washington".

Existing Situation

Iran's diplomats said the consortium offer was now withdrawn, but it seems quite possible the offer could be reintroduced in various formats if negotiations reopen.

The American leader recently claimed he had been receiving messages that Iran wanted to resume discussions, but in private Iranian officials say they are not yet getting coherent offers from Washington either directly or from significant local go-betweens, such as the Qatari government, the Egyptian leadership, Oman and Saudi Arabia. The Iranian foreign ministry has been criticized of non-responsiveness in the wake of Washington's unmediated tactics, but Iran says diplomacy is not part of a show.

Negotiating Standpoint

In his speech to the conference, aimed to depict the US as a controlling nation that exploits the concept of international law, Araghchi stated the fortnight-long engagement revealed the conflict could not be settled by armed force. He said the assaults commenced with a American requirement for an unconditional Iranian surrender and ended with an complete request for a truce.

Iran is certain the first strikes by Israel were executed with full US knowledge and collaboration, making confidence difficult to rebuild.

Negotiations Remains the Ultimate Solution

The foreign minister declared: "It was not Iran that had deserted dialogue; it was America and the European states that had always attempted to impose their demands during the talks. Dialogue can still be viable and remains the final resolution to settle disagreements, but its standards, rules and principles must be adhered to."

"Provided that they talk to the citizens of Tehran with the language of dignity and honor, they will receive a reply in the equivalent tone."

Restoration and Recovery

In what is portrayed by Tehran representatives as the struggle of repair and rebuilding, Araghchi said he was certain Iran's defence capabilities "are considerably enhanced than before 13 or 14 June of this year. Every aspect of our defense have been restored. We acquired numerous insights from this engagement; we have come to know our internal vulnerabilities and the weaknesses of the opponent."

He added: "We managed to survive this war. Our atomic expertise, which they intended to obliterate, stays intact. The sites and gear, if eliminated, will be reconstructed; what is essential is the will of the nation of Iran and then the social solidarity that they aimed at, but were unable to shatter. The Iranian people have become stronger, more cohesive, and more supportive of the government and the country in the wake of this invasion."