Chatting 'Bout Nukes: Latest On Iran Talks
United States actions prompt potential resumption of talks by Iran
After the US's bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities, President Trump is readying himself for another round of nuclear talks. However, no meetings are planned as of yet. Trump's spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, simply said, "Nada, bub." The US prez talked about discussions with Iran at the NATO summit, but he didn't provide any details.
Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghtchi, confirmed the discussion, but he's mum on any fresh talks about the nukes. He said, "Hold your horses! We're evaluating what's best for our national interests." So, no concrete plans or promises for now.
Wadephul Weighs In on Iran Talks: "We've Got a Golden Ticket"
If the US and Iran ever sit down to talk about nuclear programs, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul believes Europe's in a strong position. "We've got a good hand," he said on the ZDF talk show, Maybrit Illner. The Europeans can slap on sanctions against Tehran using the snapback mechanism. "We've got a real trump card," he added, "They know that in Washington, and we'll use it in coordination." The goal is still to get a negotiated solution.
The Vienna agreement on Iran's nuclear program, while no longer actively enforced, will expire in October 2025. Until then, Europeans, even if they're not directly at the negotiating table with Iran, have a mighty leverage tool.
The E3 Gets Down to Business with the Iranians
Wadephul mentioned he's in touch with the US and his Iranian counterpart. The E3 (Germany, France, and the UK) are the ones who keep the lines open with Iran. However, Iran's Foreign Minister Araghtchi demanded that the E3 explain the importance of international law in their policy. International law experts have labeled the US and Israeli attacks on nuclear facilities as illegal.
Moreover, Araghtchi criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's statement that Israel did the "dirty work" with its attacks on Iran.
CBS: Billions in Investments for Civilian Nuclear Program on the Table
To get Iran back to the negotiating table, there are rumors of a billion-dollar investment package for Iran's civilian nuclear program. The condition is no uranium enrichment in the future. The US broadcaster, CBS, reported this based on several sources.
Besides the investments, the lifting of some sanctions against Iran and the release of frozen bank accounts at foreign banks are also part of the talks. Besides the US, several Arab countries are allegedly involved in the discussions, which are supposed to fund the investments according to the US government's plan.
Iran Levels Blow at IAEA: "You're Just As Toxic as Us"
The Iranian government currently has no plans to receive the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi. The Iranian parliament recently voted to suspend cooperation with the IAEA until the "security" of nuclear facilities is guaranteed. Iranian officials recently accused the IAEA and Grossi of sharing some responsibility for the Israeli and US attacks on Iran due to their reports on Iran's nuclear program.
Grossi announced a day after the start of the ceasefire between Israel and Iran that he wanted to visit Iran as soon as possible to meet with Araghtchi. Grossi has emphasized the need for IAEA inspectors to resume their work and inspect Iran's nuclear facilities post-attacks.
Iran: "We've Got Some Serious Damage Here"
The damage to Iran's nuclear facilities following the Israeli and US attacks is "significant," Iran's Foreign Minister Araghtchi admitted. This is the first time a high-ranking government official has publicly acknowledged the consequences of the attacks on the nuclear program. The precise extent of the damage remains unclear, but the US Central Intelligence Agency suggests rebuilding the facilities will take years. In contrast, a preliminary report by the US military intelligence agency DIA concludes that the nuclear program was only set back by a few months.
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Stay tuned for all the buzz in Hamm!
- In the realm of politics and general news, the discussion about Iran's nuclear program continues, with Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressing optimism that Europe could exert significant influence in any potential talks.
- The war-and-conflicts involving Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have intensified, with Iran accusing the agency of being as toxic as it is, in response to the IAEA's ongoing scrutiny of Iran's nuclear program following attacks by the US and Israel.
