Nuclear Talks Between US and Iran Shift Gears: What's Up Next?
U.S.-Iran Nuclear Discussions Approaching, Slated to Occur in Moscow - US-Iran nuclear discussions set to transpire in Moscow
Moscow has been vocal about finding a resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomatic channels. On Tuesday, Russian, Iranian, and Chinese representatives will gather in Moscow to discuss Iran's nuclear policy. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced direct talks with Iran set for this weekend.
In a surprising turn of events, it was reported that Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi of Iran would hold indirect talks with US special envoy Steve Biegun in Oman. In these indirect negotiations, a mediator usually communicates between the two parties.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director general, Raphael Grossi, is expected to visit Tehran before the Rome discussions. Although there have been no specific mentions of Moscow-centered negotiations regarding the Iranian nuclear program, the Omani mediators' ongoing involvement in the talks shines light on their facilitating role.
Iran has expressed its primary concern for the removal of western sanctions, while the US seeks verifiable steps to minimize the threat of weaponized nuclear program. In contrast, Western countries, including the US, have long accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons. The last major agreement, signed in 2015, aimed to ease sanctions in exchange for Iran limiting its nuclear program, but the US abandoned the deal in 2018.
The two sides' first round of talks in Oman was deemed successful, as both sides moved from indirect to direct talks for the first time in years. However, tensions remain high, with Iran referencing past US withdrawals from agreements, and the US questioning Iran's nuclear intentions. Israel remains skeptical about the talks' outcome, while the Gulf states have shown support.
As the events unfold, there's a heightened anticipation for the upcoming encounter in Rome, where the US envoy Steve Witkoff is set to engage in a face-to-face conversation with the Iranian officials for the second time after eight years. The US has expressed its preference for direct negotiations, despite concerns on both sides. This meeting in Rome holds the potential to reshape the geopolitical landscape, as the implications of the nuclear program have far-reaching consequences for global security.
- The European Union has also expressed its concern at the recent events in Iran, which have led to the deaths of more than 100 people, as the nuclear talks between US and Iran shift gears.
- Indirect negotiations are usually conducted when diplomatic tensions are high, as seen in the recent Oman talks between Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi and US special envoy Steve Biegun.
- While the US seeks verifiable steps to minimize the threat of Iran's weaponized nuclear program, Iran's primary concern is the removal of western sanctions, with both sides recently engaging in direct talks in Oman and set to meet again in Rome.
