Tehran is expressing extreme caution regarding the success of ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States, highlighting key issues that remain unresolved. The Iranian government considers its missile program one of the key sticking points in the negotiations. Like the American public, they are dead set against anything that jeopardizes their defense capabilities. Iran is prepared to accept greater curbs on its nuclear program. It argues that sanctions should be lifted in return.
These negotiations occur against the backdrop of Tehran’s ongoing violation of the 2015 nuclear agreement. The country has increasingly enriched their uranium, up to 60 percent purity. Iran has injected more tension into the situation by insisting on keeping its stockpile of enriched uranium. These issues have morphed into “red lines” that Iran will not budge on in nuclear negotiations.
One Iranian official described the expert-level negotiations as difficult, complicated, and serious. He pointed to an openness to work together and reiterated that major obstacles remain. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Oman would announce the location of the next round of talks in the coming days. These conversations follow months of behind-the-scenes discussions brokered by Omani officials.
“There is seriousness and determination on both sides … However, our optimism about success of the talks remains extremely cautious.” – Abbas Araqchi
In light of these complexities, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that any potential deal would require Iran to completely halt its uranium enrichment activities. He pointed out that, to supply any enriched uranium for its one and only operational nuclear power plant, Bushehr, Iran has to import it. This position is yet another one that’s creating a gap between the two sides that needs to be crossed.
As negotiations drag on with time now running dangerously short, mood is tense. This increase in tensions comes after a huge blast in Iran’s Shahid Rajaee port complex near Bandar Abbas, which reportedly killed at least four people and hurt hundreds. Incidents like this highlight the perilous climate in which these conversations are occurring.
Araqchi further elaborated on the negotiations’ focus, stating that they aim “to build confidence about the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.” He admitted the massive gap that remains between the two – Tehran and Washington – on a host of other issues.
“There is still much to do, but further progress was made on getting to a deal.” – Senior U.S. administration official
These negotiations are a circus of complexity. The issue has been in contention for over two decades, further raising the stakes of the debate. The two sides have not come to a full deal after several rounds of talks. Most recently, Araqchi led the Iranian delegation in a third round of negotiations in Muscat with Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy.
Former President Trump had expressed optimism regarding a potential agreement, stating, “I think we’re going to make a deal with Iran,” while simultaneously reiterating a threat of military action should diplomatic efforts falter.
As the parties prepare for subsequent rounds, they need to address the more pressing issue of Iranian uranium enrichment and missile development. Cultivating trust will be critically important in this new environment rife with doubt and distrust.
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