Iranian Foreign Minister Urges U.S. Return to Nuclear Deal Commitments to End Conflict

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated Monday that the United States must return to its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action to end the ongoing war and resolve the deepening crisis between the two nations. Speaking in Tehran on September 1, 2026, Araqchi framed the restoration of the nuclear agreement as the sole viable path to de-escalation following months of heightened military tensions.

Araqchi addressed a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasizing that Washington's adherence to the original terms of the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding is a prerequisite for any diplomatic breakthrough. He argued that continued U.S. sanctions and military posturing have exacerbated regional instability, making a return to the framework essential for peace.

"The United States must honor its obligations under the agreement," Araqchi said. "Only by returning to these commitments can we halt the current hostilities and establish a sustainable resolution to the situation between our countries."

The statement comes amid a period of intense friction in the Middle East, where sporadic clashes involving Iranian-backed militias and U.S. forces have raised fears of a broader regional conflagration. While Tehran has maintained that its nuclear program remains peaceful, Western officials have repeatedly cited concerns over Iran's uranium enrichment activities as a primary security threat.

The Foreign Minister did not specify the exact nature of the current "war" referenced in his remarks, though recent exchanges of fire between Iranian proxies and American interests in Iraq and Syria have dominated regional headlines. Araqchi's call for a diplomatic reset suggests Tehran is seeking to leverage the nuclear file as a bargaining chip to secure an end to military engagements.

U.S. officials have not yet issued a direct response to Araqchi's specific demands. The Biden administration has previously indicated that any return to the deal would require verifiable changes in Iran's behavior beyond the text of the original agreement, including restrictions on its ballistic missile program and regional activities.

The diplomatic standoff remains fluid as both sides navigate complex internal political pressures. In Tehran, hardline factions have criticized previous concessions, while in Washington, congressional opposition to lifting sanctions without stringent guarantees continues to shape policy options.

It remains unclear whether the United States is prepared to engage in direct negotiations under the conditions outlined by Araqchi or if it will maintain its current strategy of maximum pressure. The international community watches closely as the window for a diplomatic solution narrows, with the potential for further military escalation looming over the region. Whether the two powers can bridge their divergent interpretations of the agreement's requirements remains the central question facing global security in the coming weeks.