Iran has confirmed that the next round of nuclear talks with the United States will be held in Rome, following earlier confusion over the location of the negotiations. The talks will be mediated by Oman, which served as an intermediary in previous discussions. The negotiations are crucial for both nations as they are faced with increasing tensions, with US President Donald Trump threatening airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear program if an agreement is not reached. Iranian officials have warned that they may pursue the development of a nuclear weapon using their enriched uranium stockpile.
In a separate development, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian approved the resignation of Mohammad Javad Zarif, a vice president who played a key role in the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. Zarif has faced criticism from hard-liners in Iran who believe he conceded too much in the negotiations. Pezeshkian appointed Mohsen Ismaili as the new vice president for strategic affairs. The head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, arrived in Tehran for meetings that are likely to take place the following day. Since the collapse of the 2018 nuclear deal, Iran has abandoned all limits on its nuclear program and is enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned the US about taking contradictory stances in the negotiations. While Iran is willing to discuss enrichment as a trust-building measure, it is not willing to completely eliminate its right to enrich uranium. US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff initially suggested a potential deal that would bring Iran back to 3.67% uranium enrichment, similar to levels when the 2015 deal was signed. However, he later stated that any deal with Iran must eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponization program, as requested by President Trump.
The stakes in the ongoing nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States are high, with both countries facing significant challenges in reaching a deal. Enmity between the two nations, which has persisted for nearly half a century, has led to threats of military action from the US and warnings from Iran about its nuclear capabilities. The role of Oman as a mediator in the talks has been crucial, with previous negotiations taking place in Muscat. The resignation of key figures involved in the negotiations, such as Mohammad Javad Zarif, adds complexity to the discussions.
The appointment of Mohsen Ismaili as the new vice president for strategic affairs in Iran indicates a shift in leadership within the Iranian administration. Ismaili, a political moderate and legal expert, may bring a different perspective to the negotiations with the United States. The involvement of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, in the talks suggests a continued international interest in resolving the nuclear issue between Iran and the US. The collapse of the 2018 nuclear deal and Iran’s subsequent abandonment of limits on its program have raised concerns about the potential for further escalation in the region.
As negotiations continue between Iran and the United States in Rome, the focus is on finding a path towards a renewed nuclear agreement that addresses the concerns of both parties. The contrasting positions of the US and Iran on enrichment and weapons programs present challenges to reaching a consensus. The key players involved, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff, will need to navigate these differences and work towards a deal that is acceptable to both sides. The outcome of the talks will have far-reaching implications for the stability and security of the region, as well as broader international efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation.
