Iran is striving to achieve a peaceful nuclear agreement with the United States, aiming to resolve a longstanding dispute while firmly safeguarding its national security, as articulated by Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh. The dynamic between Iran and the United States has been characterized by accusations from the US, European allies, and Israel, who contend that Tehran's nuclear ambitions conceal efforts to develop weapons capabilities. Irrespective of these claims, Iran maintains that its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful purposes, such as energy production.

In October, former President Donald Trump expressed the United States' willingness to engage in negotiations with Iran, emphasizing an open hand of friendship and cooperation. During the 12th Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate, Khatibzadeh highlighted the inconsistent messages sent by Washington to Tehran regarding the ongoing nuclear discussions, which have been encumbered by external influences through third-party countries.

Previously, Iran and the US engaged in five rounds of nuclear talks, which were interrupted by a conflict that erupted in June between Iran and Israel, wherein the US intervened by targeting key Iranian nuclear facilities. Khatibzadeh reiterated Iran’s perspective that the US is undermining diplomatic efforts and noted that negotiations have stalled since the conflict.

Significant discrepancies persist between the two nations, particularly surrounding the issue of uranium enrichment. The United States demands a complete halt to enrichment activities on Iranian territory to mitigate any potential risks of weaponization, a condition that Tehran has firmly rejected. Recently, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reaffirmed the nation’s stance of not entering negotiations under duress, underscoring Iran's commitment against seeking nuclear weapons. Khatibzadeh stated, 'Tehran is not seeking nuclear bombs and is prepared to assure the world about it. We are very proud of our home-grown nuclear program.' This sentiment illustrates Iran's determination to advance its nuclear program for peaceful purposes while negotiating terms that align with its national interests.