Iran’s foreign minister says Washington’s “wishes are unlikely to come true” at upcoming talks between the Islamic Republic and world powers over its nuclear program.

Mohammad Javad Zarif said at a Wednesday news conference in Tehran that the U.S. wanted Iran to give up major parts of its program, but “those wishes are unlikely to come true and that’s why they are negotiating with the Islamic Republic of Iran to achieve a solution based on realities.”

Iran stopped enrichment of uranium to 20 percent and started neutralizing its stockpile on Jan. 20 in order to fulfil commitments reached under an interim deal in Geneva on Nov. 24. Negotiations over a final comprehensive deal are to start Feb. 18.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has been criticized by hard-liners who say he made too many concessions in return for too little.

(AP)