Indirect nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran recommence, with sanctions alleviation and uranium enrichment levels remaining as significant obstacles.

Title: Nuclear Talks Between Iran and the U.S.: Progress and Pitfalls

Byline: Dorsa Jabbari, Al Jazeera Correspondent

It's Saturday, and another round of indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States is about to unfold. Oman plays the role of mediator amidst a web of delicate discussions. Reportedly, both sides claim some level of progress, but some major hurdles remain standing tall. So, is this the moment these long-stalled talks finally break new ground?

Rapid Developments in Indirect Nuclear Talks

Technical experts are readying themselves for a more in-depth conversation about limitations on Iran's nuclear program. There's been a slow, steady build-up, with meetings in Rome and Oman under the belt. Even more encouragingly, both Iran and the U.S. seem to be developing a mutual understanding on essential principles, such as Iran's legitimacy to engage in peaceful nuclear energy and America's intention to part ways from seeking a complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear program.

Unresolved Issues Persist

With all the positivity in the air, however, challenges linger. A primary contentious issue is the exact extent of Iran's uranium enrichment. Iran insists on the right to regulate this activity under supervision, while the U.S. pushes for restrictions or even elimination of the domestic enrichment process. Next on the agenda are details regarding sanctions relief and the thawing of frozen Iranian assets. Strategy and trust are also hot topics, as there's debate about maintaining a balance between promoting Iran's peaceful nuclear program and preventing any potential secret steps towards nuclear weapon development.

Can a Breakthrough Be Achieved?

If Washington and Tehran can bridge the gaps on a staged agreement balancing Iran's peaceful nuclear aspirations with viable monitoring and sanctions relief, it could mark a significant breakthrough. This could involve the approval of an interim or phased deal, characterized by compromises such as limiting enrichment levels, increasing transparency via monitoring, and progressive sanctions abolition. Moreover, acknowledging Iran's right to peaceful nuclear technology under strict oversight could potentially satisfy both parties. Lastly, Oman's continued involvement as an intermediary can help drive forward technical negotiations and resolve outstanding issues.

The United States presently expresses a keen determination to bypass military intervention and instead favor diplomatic avenues, another factor that could pave the way for a breakthrough before the current 60-day negotiation period expires.

Stay tuned for further updates. Progress may be slow, but the hope for a peaceful resolution is never far from reach.

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Episode Credits- This episode was produced by Amy Walters, Sonia Bhagat, Khaled Soltan, and Tamara Khandaker with Sarí el-Khalili, Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Mariana Navarrete, Kisaa Zehra, Remas Alhawari, Kingwell Ma, Marcos Bartolomé, Manuel Rapalo, and our special guest host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.- Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take's executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

Connect with us- Find us on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads, YouTube, and more! @AJEPodcasts- Let us know your thoughts! #IranNews #NuclearTalks #USIranRelations

[1] Al Jazeera, "Iran, US hold nuclear talks in Oman," March 4, 2023.[2] Axios, "Iran proposes phased approach in nuclear talks with the U.S.," March 6, 2023.[3] CNN, "US ready to walk away from Iran if no deal is reached," February 23, 2023.

The indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, taking place on Saturday, are being mediated by Oman, with both sides reporting some progress.
Despite the positive developments in the talks, significant hurdles remain, including the extent of Iran's uranium enrichment and disagreements over sanctions relief.
If the U.S. and Iran can agree on a staged agreement that balances Iran's peaceful nuclear aspirations with monitoring and sanctions relief, it could mark a significant breakthrough in the international politics of policy-and-legislation and general-news.
Zehra, a team member at Al Jazeera, is one of the individuals who are closely following the talks and providing updates on their progress.