Iran's foreign minister has said his country refuses to negotiate directly with the US under current conditions of 'maximum pressure'.
"No wise person would engage in direct negotiations under maximum pressure," Foreign Minister Araghchi said, adding that the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) could still serve as a "basis and model" for future diplomacy.
However, he said that restoring the deal in its original form and content was no longer possible, citing Iran's advances in nuclear capabilities since US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the pact in 2018.
In addition, Mr. Araghchi also affirmed that Iran's nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes and its strategy is still to negotiate indirectly with the US.