Iran Calls for Clarity on US Military Actions Before Diplomatic Engagement**

In a recent interview, Iran's deputy foreign minister emphasized the necessity for the US to explicitly renounce further military actions if they hope to rekindle diplomatic discussions. He highlighted the uncertainty surrounding negotiations following US airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear sites and reiterated Iran's right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.**

Iran's deputy foreign minister, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, has stated that the United States must unequivocally rule out any further military strikes on Iran if it is to resume diplomatic negotiations. Speaking to the BBC, Takht-Ravanchi conveyed that while the Trump administration appears interested in reconvening talks, there is significant ambiguity regarding its stance on potential military actions amid negotiations, especially in light of the recent conflicts involving Israeli airstrikes.

The escalation began on June 13 when Israel launched military operations targeting Iran's military and nuclear sites. This offensive thwarted a sixth round of indirect talks planned for Muscat, which had been a focal point for US-Iran dialogue. The situation escalated further when the US conducted strikes on three of Iran's nuclear facilities, igniting a wave of missile attacks from Iran towards Israel. The extent of damage to Iran's nuclear capabilities remains undetermined, though Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), suggested the damage was severe, yet not total.

Amidst rising hostilities, Takht-Ravanchi underscored Iran's insistence on its right to enrich uranium for what it claims are peaceful purposes, addressing accusations that the nation is secretly pursuing nuclear weapon capabilities. He conveyed frustration over Iran's limited access to nuclear materials required for its research programs, arguing that an outright rejection of enrichment is an unacceptable stance for Iran's sovereignty.

The deputy foreign minister criticized international leaders for their compliance with US and Israeli actions, urging them to scrutinize the aggressions faced by Iran rather than blaming its nuclear ambitions. He dismissed questions of potentially re-evaluating Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, asserting that there is no rationale for such concessions.

Despite previous agreements under the 2015 nuclear deal, which limited Iran's enrichment levels, the US's withdrawal from the deal in 2018 by Trump and the subsequent reinstatement of sanctions led Iran to progressively exceed these limitations, including resuming enrichment at the Fordo plant.

Currently, with no set timeline for diplomatic discussions, Takht-Ravanchi highlights a critical question: Will the US engage in military aggression while dialogue is sought? He reiterated Iran's desire to pursue diplomacy while remaining cautious of another surprise attack.

As tensions mount, Iran's allies in the Gulf region have been actively trying to foster an environment conducive to dialogue, particularly Qatar. The exigency for clarity from the US seems stronger than ever, with Iran declaring its commitment to peace but readiness to defend its sovereignty.