Iran Signals Push to Address Nuclear Standoff Despite Sanctions

(Bloomberg) -- Iran’s foreign minister said the country is ready to resume efforts to resolve its nuclear standoff but called cooperation with the UN atomic watchdog “insufficient.”

In comments published Sunday on his official Telegram channel and addressed to foreign diplomats in Tehran, Abbas Araghchi said Iran is “ready to pursue any solution that helps build trust” over its nuclear situation, adding “there is now no excuse left for Western countries to hinder Iran’s cooperation or negotiations.”

In September, prior to the return of UN sanctions, Iran and the Vienna-based IAEA announced a framework agreement in Cairo to allow inspectors back into the country. But Araghchi said that accord is inadequate.

“Due to new circumstances, including the snapback mechanism, the Cairo accord is