Tehran Demands 'Practical Steps' from Washington Before Starting Negotiations

Ali Bagheri Kani, Deputy Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, confirmed that Tehran is not satisfied with "theoretical commitments."

In statements to local official television, he said, "There must be practical steps seen from the United States before embarking on any new diplomatic efforts."

A senior Iranian official stated yesterday, Thursday, to Reuters agency that Tehran sent a proposal regarding the nuclear program to the United States via Qatar, to be discussed only after Washington responds to its seven demands, adding that Washington is studying the proposal.

The Iranian positions come as prospects for military escalation between Washington and Tehran return to the forefront, with US President Donald Trump approaching a decision on resuming military operations.

During a meeting with senior national security advisors, Trump discussed yesterday, Thursday, the options available regarding the next phase of the war, in the first meeting since the midterm elections in which Republicans suffered electoral losses.

Trump said on Thursday that he would decide whether to go further in military operations to ensure the end of the Iranian nuclear program and prevent its revival, adding: "I prefer not to destroy the rest of the country if possible, but I may have to. You will know soon."

According to a report published by Axios website, the US President is considering three main options: launching a new wave of strikes, continuing economic pressure and naval blockade on Iran, or reaching an agreement involving significant Iranian concessions.