Iran Sets Conditions for Nuclear Negotiations with the United States

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declares that Iran will not negotiate with the US on nuclear issues until the US resumes compliance with the JCPOA. Instead, Iran will focus on negotiations with European countries and other nations. Recent discussions aim to find a path forward for nuclear negotiations amid ongoing tensions and sanctions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that Iran will not engage in negotiations with the United States regarding the nuclear issue until the U.S. resumes its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or clarifies its policy on this matter. Instead, Iran will continue discussions with European nations, China, and Russia. In a televised interview, Araghchi emphasized Iran’s commitment to negotiations, highlighting recent talks with the UK, France, Germany, and the European Union aimed at reviving nuclear discussions.

Araghchi reiterated that Iran has not abandoned the negotiating table concerning its nuclear program and remains confident in its program’s peaceful nature. The JCPOA, originally signed in 2015, included Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council along with Germany. Following the withdrawal of the United States from the agreement under former President Trump in 2018, negotiations to restore the agreement have stalled since August 2021 largely due to U.S. refusal to lift all sanctions on Iran.

Recent discussions have attempted to gauge the United States’ seriousness regarding rejoining and lifting sanctions, with Iran seeking assurances to secure the compliance of any agreements made. Araghchi noted that such assurances from the U.S. are necessary for productive negotiations to move forward, given the unresolved tensions arising from sanctions imposed by the prior administration.

The context surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and the associated discussions is framed by the JCPOA, which was established to address concerns over Iran’s potential to develop nuclear weapons. The agreement aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, following the U.S. exit from the agreement, Iran has faced increasing isolation and financial pressures due to sanctions. Efforts to revive negotiations began in April 2021 in Vienna, but consistent disputes over sanctions and compliance have stalled progress. Iran maintains that it has always acted peacefully concerning its nuclear ambitions, seeking to guarantee that any agreement reached will be honored by all parties involved.

In summary, Iran’s conditional stance on negotiations with the United States highlights the complexities and geopolitical tensions surrounding the nuclear issue. Araghchi’s statements underscore Iran’s commitment to dialogue, yet emphasize its demand for the U.S. to take clear actions to restore trust. The ongoing diplomatic efforts, particularly with European nations and other global powers, remain crucial in seeking a resolution to the stalemate resulting from past sanctions and the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA.

Original Source: en.mehrnews.com