JCPOA would have failed or taken 20 years with indirect talks – Former Iranian president

Russia said on Tuesday that it would not be obligated to provide military assistance to Iran in the event of a US military attack, while emphasizing its commitment to de-escalating regional tensions.

Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko told Russian media that a potential US strike on Iran would have severe consequences for the Middle East.

However, Rudenko stressed that while Moscow would work to resolve any conflict and ease tensions, a military alliance with Tehran did not necessitate Russian military intervention in such a scenario.

"In the case of a US attack on Iran, Moscow would not be obligated to provide military assistance to Tehran, but would take all measures to resolve the conflict and eliminate tensions," Rudenko was quoted as saying.

“The AEOI (Atomic Energy Organization of Iran) also indicates that Iran’s uranium reserves are much larger than previously estimated,” said the 2014 biennial Red Book report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Nuclear Energy Agency' published Tuesday.

It added that Iran planned to operate six more uranium mines by the end of the first quarter of 2024.

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Iran could increase its ore production by almost four times, reaching 71 tons this year, according to the report.

In addition to the current Ardakan uranium production facility in Yazd Province, feasibility studies are underway for the development of the Narigan production center, also located in the same province.

Iran has always maintained that its uranium enrichment activities are for peaceful purposes. However, last year, the US-based Institute for Science and International Security said that while Iran's uranium resources could support a nuclear weapons arsenal, they are insufficient to fuel its growing nuclear power reactors.

Last month, the UN nuclear watchdog found that Iran's stock of near-bomb-grade uranium rose to levels which in principle could be refined further into the equivalent of six nuclear bombs.

Iran’s nuclear program remains a focal point of international tensions, particularly following Washington’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and the imposition of economic sanctions.

The United States, meanwhile, has reinstated its "maximum pressure" policy on Iran, with President Donald Trump insisting that Tehran must never acquire nuclear weapons and has threatened military action against the country should it fail to reach a deal on its nuclear program.

Trump on Monday said that Tehran and Washington have begun direct talks over Iran's nuclear program and will hold a "very big meeting" at a senior level on Saturday.

Former Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif expressed optimism on Tuesday regarding upcoming indirect talks between Iran and the United States, urging the US delegation to demonstrate the same determination as their Iranian counterparts.

In an X post referencing current Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who will lead the Iranian team in the Oman discussions, Zarif said, “The Iranian delegation, led by FM Araghchi, has already proven its capability and determination to reach mutually beneficial agreements.

Zarif, who played a key role in negotiating the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, added a note of caution and expectation for the US side.

"If the US team can exhibit the same qualities, a deal resulting in a better future is within reach," he said. “The ball is in US court.”

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Representatives from Iran, Russia, and China began a trilateral meeting behind closed doors in Moscow on Tuesday, with no press access, according to Iranian state media.

The meeting, which started on Tuesday afternoon, was previously announced by Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei.

Baghaei said on Monday that the discussions would be held at an expert level and would focus on the Iranian nuclear program, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and UN Security Council Resolution 2231.

According to the spokesman, the Iranian delegation consists of mid-level representatives and legal experts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The specific agenda and expected duration of the trilateral meeting were not disclosed.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said again on Tuesday that Tehran will only engage in indirect talks with the United States, rejecting any attempts by Washington to impose its will through pressure and threats.

Speaking to Iranian media, Araghchi said, "The format we prefer is indirect negotiations, and our reasons are clear. If they want to impose their will through pressure and threats, that is not negotiation; that is dictation."

"The format of the negotiations, whether direct or indirect, isn't, in my view, the most important thing." He added, "What really matters is whether the talks are effective, the seriousness and intentions of both sides, and their commitment to reaching an agreement."

Araghchi, who is slated to lead the Iranian delegation in upcoming discussions in Oman, argued that the indirect format is more conducive to effective and fruitful negotiations.

He pointed to historical precedent and the ongoing indirect talks between Russia and Ukraine as examples.

He firmly dismissed reports in foreign media suggesting a two-stage process involving initial indirect talks followed by direct engagement. "The news in foreign media about the negotiations initially being indirect and then direct is baseless, and we have no such agreement with the other side.”