Tehran (TDI): Iran has intensified calls for its nuclear negotiations with the United States to proceed independently of Israeli influence, as talks between the two sides will proceed into a second round in Geneva, starting Tuesday.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, stressed that the United States must “assess its interests independently of Israeli influence” in the ongoing negotiations.
Larijani reiterated Iran’s openness to continued dialogue, while firmly rejecting Israeli involvement in what Tehran says is a bilateral matter. He said Iran is not seeking talks with Israel and accused Tel Aviv of attempting to sabotage the process.
Larijani also highlighted that Tehran will not negotiate its missile program or accept zero uranium enrichment; positions that diverge sharply from US and Israeli demands.
“Our missile program stands entirely separate from the nuclear one,” he said, framing it as a sovereign national security issue. Washington has signaled interest in broadening the scope of discussions to include Iran’s missile program.
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Tehran, however, maintains it is only prepared to negotiate limits on its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief and has rejected demands for zero uranium enrichment.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Geneva for talks that Iranian officials describe as pivotal in seeking a “fair deal.” While Tehran publicly maintains it seeks a diplomatic resolution and insists its nuclear program is peaceful, the United States has pressed for more stringent curbs.
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that any potential agreement between the United States and Iran must go beyond limiting uranium enrichment and instead require the complete dismantling of Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Speaking at the annual Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organisations, Netanyahu revealed that he conveyed this position directly to US President Donald Trump during a meeting last week.
