Unclear Proposals from the US Regarding Nuclear Agreement Draw Criticism from Iran
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In a statement yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed confusion and concern regarding a letter received from the US. The letter, filled with ambiguities, has sparked several unresolved questions, the Minister admitted, addressing a press conference in Beirut.
Araqchi, the Minister and Iran's lead negotiator, assured that Iran would respond with its usual principled approach and the best interests of the Iranian people in mind.
Last Saturday, the US sent over a proposal for a nuclear agreement to Iran, which Araqchi received personally in Tehran from his Omani counterpart, Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, who's been serving as a go-between for the two nations over this issue.
Progress in the indirect talks, held under Omani auspices since April, has been slow due to significant disagreements between Iran and the US, particularly over Iran's uranium enrichment program.
Iran adamantly upholds its right to enrich uranium domestically for peaceful purposes, a position Araqchi highlighted as a "red line." The challenge lies in finding common ground, as the US remains staunchly against any enrichment.
On Monday, US President Trump reaffirmed his stance, threatening to prevent Iran from enriching uranium, while blaming former President Biden for missing a crucial opportunity to curb Tehran's ambitions at the start of his term.
The latest round of talks took place last Friday, but the date and location of the next meeting remain undecided.
For a deeper understanding of the current impasse, consider these key points:
- Enrichment on Iranian Soil: Iran demands the right to enrich uranium on its own soil for peaceful purposes, a non-negotiable requirement for the Iranian government. Meanwhile, the US has publicly stated that Iran cannot enrich uranium under any agreement, although, secretly, the US seems more flexible with the idea of allowing limited, low-level uranium enrichment on Iranian soil.
- Regional Consortium: Iran has proposed a regional nuclear consortium, provided that the enrichment facility is situated on Iranian soil, like on the Kish or Gheshm islands. The US might suggest placing the consortium on disputed islands, which Iran is less likely to accept because of ongoing territorial disputes with the UAE.
- Negotiation Strategy: Iran intends to prolong the talks to delay potential sanctions or military action, while preserving its enrichment capabilities. The US faces pressure from allies like Israel and Republican senators to maintain a hardline stance against any enrichment, making the negotiations more complex.
World news outlets are discussing the ongoing politics surrounding Iran's nuclear policy-and-legislation, as the indirect talks between Iran and the US under Omani auspices continue to stall due to disagreements over Iran's uranium enrichment program. General news reports highlight Iran's firm stance on the right to enrich uranium domestically for peaceful purposes, a position that clashes with the US's stance against any enrichment.
