Iran Outlines Conditions for Nuclear Negotiations with the U.S.

Iran will not negotiate with the U.S. about its nuclear program until the U.S. returns to the JCPOA. Iranian officials continue discussions with European and other nations to seek a resolution. The JCPOA remains a focal point of international diplomacy, particularly as negotiations have stalled over U.S. sanctions.

In a recent statement, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that Iran will not engage in discussions with the United States regarding its nuclear program until the U.S. returns to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or formally outlines its policy on this matter. While Iran remains open to negotiations with European nations, China, and Russia, the talks with the U.S. remain contingent on America’s actions regarding the JCPOA. Araghchi reiterated Iran’s commitment to its nuclear negotiations, asserting confidence in the peaceful intentions of its nuclear program.

This week, Iran held discussions with representatives from the UK, France, and Germany, as well as with European Union officials, aimed at finding a pathway to revive the nuclear negotiations. Araghchi indicated that Iran has participated in talks continuously and has never dismissed the negotiation process. The JCPOA, established in 2015, involved the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany and has faced challenges since the U.S. withdrew in 2018 under former President Donald Trump. Current President Joe Biden has indicated a willingness to restore the agreement, yet negotiations have stalled due to U.S. refusal to lift all sanctions imposed previously. Iran seeks concrete guarantees of compliance from the U.S. as negotiations proceed.

The evolving dialogue surrounding Iran’s nuclear program is rooted in the JCPOA agreement signed in 2015, which aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. The withdrawal of the U.S. from the agreement in 2018 created significant tension and a protracted stalemate in negotiations. Since April 2021, discussions have been ongoing in Vienna involving the original signatories and aim to address the U.S.’s re-entry into the JCPOA while addressing Iran’s demands for the removal of sanctions.

In conclusion, Iran’s stance on nuclear negotiations emphasizes a prerequisite for U.S. cooperation: the reinstatement of the JCPOA or clarity on U.S. policy. As diplomatic efforts continue with European and other global powers, the future of these negotiations remains uncertain. Iran’s insistence on guarantees reflects broader concerns about the reliability of international agreements following past breaches.

Original Source: en.mehrnews.com