Iran's FM calls Vance letter positive step but rules out US meeting

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called US Vice President JD Vance's letter to Tehran a "positive step" toward resuming talks, but ruled out any meeting with US officials, according to Al Jazeera on Friday. Tehran received the letter on Wednesday and has not formally responded, though Araghchi said Iran held "high-level meetings" on it. He stated US must meet Iran's conditions for direct or indirect talks, and warned Washington against using the letter to "stir up discord." On nuclear issues, Araghchi said Tehran is in the "second phase" of reviewing mediator proposals, with Qatari and Pakistani mediators consulting. Iran demands sanctions lifting, oil waiver restoration, and frozen funds release, while declaring forces at "highest level of readiness" for all scenarios.