Iranian Official Claims US Used Threats and Bribes in Nuclear Talks

Iran's top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, has alleged that the United States attempted to influence nuclear negotiations through death threats and bribery. In a recent statement, Araghchi detailed interactions with the Trump administration, claiming that American officials tried to pressure Iran into making concessions. He rejected Washington's assertion that military force could compel Iran to submit, drawing a parallel to the situation in Venezuela. Araghchi pointed to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during a US-led military operation in January as an example of American regime change tactics. The remarks come amid ongoing tensions over Iran's nuclear program and failed talks between the two nations. Araghchi did not provide specific evidence for the threats or bribes, but his comments underscore the deep mistrust between Tehran and Washington. Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons, insisting its program is for peaceful purposes. The United States has not yet responded to Araghchi's allegations. The claims are likely to further strain relations, which have been hostile since the US withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018.