US strikes 'complicate' nuclear deal talks – Iran

THE possibility of new negotiations with the US on Iran’s nuclear programme has been “complicated” by the American attack on three of the sites, a top diplomat has said.

- DAVID RISING

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi told state television that the attacks had caused “serious damage”.

The US was one of the parties to the 2015 nuclear deal in which Iran agreed to limits on its uranium enrichment programme in exchange for sanctions relief and other benefits. The deal unravelled after President Donald Trump pulled the US out unilaterally during his first term.

Mr Trump has suggested he is interested in new talks with Iran and said the two sides would meet next week. Mr Araghchi left open the possibility that his country would again enter talks on its nuclear programme, but suggested it would not be any time soon.

“No agreement has been made for resuming the negotiations,” he said.

“No time has been set, no promise has been made and we haven't even talked about restarting the talks.”