Negotiations between Iran and the United States started up again on Saturday in Muscat, Oman. The goal? Halting the development of Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. Iran’s state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting confirmed the negotiations. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff were the chief negotiators. This marks the third round of official talks between the two countries. Both parties clearly understand that we are at a crossroads, where complications abound with regard to uranium enrichment and the US’s use of economic sanctions.
The talks, “the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action” or “JCPOA,” are designed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. In exchange, much-needed US-imposed economic sanctions can be lifted. US President Donald Trump expressed cautious optimism regarding the negotiations, stating his confidence in reaching a new agreement that would prevent Iran from developing a nuclear bomb.
“The Iran situation is coming out very well. We have had a lot of talks with them and I think we are going to have a deal. I would much rather have a deal than the other alternative. That would be good for humanity.” – Donald Trump
Iran has always rejected claims that it seeks nuclear arms. Despite its numerous violations, the country continues to claim that its nuclear program is meant for peaceful civilian purposes only. Currently, Iran is enriching uranium to close to 60 percent purity. This level is only 10 percent away from the weapons-grade level of 90 percent, a dangerously close margin. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that any potential deal would require Iran to cease all uranium enrichment activities.
Based on our conversations, there are two key prerequisites to Iran’s engagement. One of them is importing the enriched uranium needed for its only atomic energy plant, Bushehr. Yet, Iranian officials have asserted that ceasing their enrichment programme or relinquishing their stockpile of enriched uranium represents “Iran’s red lines that could not be compromised.”
Earlier rounds of negotiations, including ones in Rome, were described as constructive by both sides. With Iran’s economy facing significant challenges from ongoing sanctions, the country has shown increasing willingness to receive sanctions relief.
Esmaeil Baghaei, an Iranian senior official, asserted that negotiations with the United States had not covered anything about defense capacities or missile capabilities. He proposed that perhaps the focus has been too narrowly on nuclear-related concerns.
As the negotiations advance, it’s unclear if and how the two parties will be able to strike a deal that meets their mutually exclusive demands. In the meantime, Trump is staying optimistic about getting the win he’s looking for.
“There are some people that want to make a different kind of a deal – a much nastier deal – and I don’t want that to happen to Iran if we can avoid it.” – Donald Trump
