Tehran: Iranian lawmaker Mahmoud Nabavian has sharply criticized his country’s decision to allow nuclear issues to be discussed during recent negotiations held in Pakistan, calling it a “strategic mistake” that emboldened the United States to push for tougher demands.
Speaking to state-affiliated SNN on Wednesday, Nabavian, who serves on Iran’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said Tehran should have kept its nuclear program off the negotiation table. “In the Pakistan negotiations, we made a strategic mistake. We should not have put the nuclear issue up for negotiation,” he stated.
He further warned that raising the issue in talks encouraged Washington to adopt a more aggressive stance. “By doing so, the enemy became bolder,” Nabavian added, reflecting growing concern among Iranian hardliners over the direction of diplomatic engagements.
According to Nabavian, the United States made significant demands during the discussions, including the removal of Iran’s 60% enriched uranium stockpile and restrictions that would effectively block its use for up to 20 years. He emphasized that Tehran has not accepted these conditions.
The developments come amid fragile and closely watched negotiations, where both sides continue to signal willingness for dialogue but remain far apart on key issues, particularly uranium enrichment and long-term monitoring conditions.
The remarks highlight internal divisions within Iran over how to handle ongoing diplomatic efforts related to its nuclear program. While some factions favor engagement to ease sanctions and tensions, others argue that concessions could undermine national interests and strategic autonomy.
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