Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said in an interview with state television on September 15 that new nuclear negotiations can be initiated based on the formula used for the so-called 2015 "Iran nuclear deal."

The 2015 deal, officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), offered sanctions relief to Tehran in return for curbs on its nuclear programme. However, it collapsed after US President Donald Trump unilaterally pulled out in 2018, prompting Iran to scale back its commitments and forcing investors to leave the country. Following Joe Biden's win in 2020, negotiations to restore the deal were held in several rounds but reached a deadlock in 2022, with all parties stepping back from further talks. Iran has since increased its uranium enrichment process on at least two occasions until the election of President Masoud Pezeshkian, who led a campaign of engaging with the Western countries. 

Araqchi said a suitable foundation of mutual understanding must first be established to resume talks, allowing all parties to engage from an equal position.

He added that Iran would not seek the lifting of sanctions in a way that would compromise its greater interests or dignity.

According to Araqchi, the previous formula used in the JCPOA can be used for the renewed negotiations.

Although some parts of the JCPOA no longer benefit Iran as they did before, and some parts are outdated and need changes, the deal is a suitable framework that can lead the parties to a new agreement with necessary guarantees, he added.

"This is the path we will take. We look to the past and learn from it, but we do not stop in the past and look to the future," he said.

During the previous administrations, Iranian officials stressed that they would not negotiation on any new terms and insisted on the revival of the JCPOA in its original shape.

Araqchi said Iran will negotiate based on its interests, regardless who the other parties are. He acknowledged the fact that the US is not ready for negotiations due to its upcoming presidential election, but noted that Iran would start communications with European countries if necessary and need not wait for Washington.

Asked about relations with European counties, he said they need to correct their policies with regard to Iran to allow reasonable ties.

"We are striving to make this happen. Although our priority lies elsewhere, we do not forget to use the potential [in Europe] in line with our national interests."

The three European powers, France, Britain and Germany, which are also JCPOA parties, have imposed sanctions on Iran on various grounds, including the latest series over Iran's alleged delivery of missiles to Russia for its war on Ukraine. Iran has denied the sale of the weapons to Russia and condemned the move by the three countries.

"Some European countries have adopted incorrect and sometimes hostile policies against Iran, and the issue of Ukraine has also further complicated our relations with Europe," Araqchi said.

"European [countries] cannot expect us to unilaterally understand their security concerns; they must also understand our security concerns and speak from an equal position," he added. 

He called on the European states to avoid using the "failed and worn-out tool of sanctions" saying they had earlier used it and eventually resorted to the negotiating table.

"If Europe truly wants to build trust, the way is through dignified and equal talks based on mutual respect, where the concerns of both sides are addressed," he said.

Germany, France, and the UK have announced plans to impose sanctions on Iran's national airline, Iran Air, accusing Tehran of supplying ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the ongoing war in Ukraine.

In a joint statement issued by Germany’s foreign ministry on behalf of the E3 (Germany, France, and the UK), the three European countries accused Iran of escalating its military support for Russia. They condemned the alleged missile transfers, stating that the ballistic weapons were being used to target Ukraine and posed a direct threat to European security.

“In coordination with our international partners, the UK will cancel its bilateral air services arrangements with Iran, which will restrict Iran Air’s ability to fly in to the UK”, the UK’s FCDO wrote on September 10.