Showing posts with label foreign relations of iran. Show all posts
Showing posts with label foreign relations of iran. Show all posts

US and Iran Set for Talks to Revive Nuclear Negotiations in Tehran

Iranian and U.S. officials are set to convene in Oman’s sultanate this coming Saturday for an important diplomatic session aimed at addressing Iran's swiftly progressing nuclear activities.

Even though an accord seems improbable, the consequences remain significant as these two nations approach four decades of hostility towards each other.

The strain between Washington and Tehran has intensified over the past few months. US President Donald Trump has often warned of potential air strikes aimed at Iran’s nuclear capabilities unless an agreement can be made.

Iranian authorities are progressively cautioning that they might opt to develop a nuclear weapon using their supply of uranium refined to nearly weapons-grade levels.

These talks hold particular significance against the backdrop of the continuing strife in the Middle East. Leading Iranian authorities have stressed that Tehran approaches these discussions with genuine seriousness.

Iranian authorities have emphasized that Tehran "will not agree to abandon its nuclear program "in pursuit of peaceful objectives" as part of any possible accord.

Ali Shamkhani, who serves as the political advisor to the Iranian Supreme Leader, stated that the issue might be settled if the US demonstrated sincerity and exhibited genuine political commitment.

U.S. authorities have extended an invitation to Tehran to negotiate a pact aimed at achieving stability, underpinned by the notion that " peace equals strength."

Oman has been practicing discreet diplomacy for many years, allowing it to take on the crucial role of mediator.

Its distinctive history, population, and closeness to Iran have rendered it essential for Western interests as numerous discussions concerning Iran have been conducted here.

Iran Snubs Direct Nuclear Talks as Trump Vows Bombing Threats

Iran remains doubtful about US President Donald Trump's efforts to establish a new nuclear agreement, following his decision to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2018 during his initial term.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected the notion of direct talks with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Iran's nuclear program on Sunday.

Pezeshkian: The US Must 'Build Trust' Following Previous Broken Promises

“We replied to the U.S. president’s letter through Oman and declined the possibility of direct discussions, however, we remain open to indirect negotiations,” Pezeshkian stated while sitting down with his cabinet during a televised meeting on Iranian television.

"We don't avoid talks; it's the breach of promises that has caused issues for us so far," Pezeshkian said. "They must prove that they can build trust."

During Trump's first term in 2018, he pulled the US out of a nuclear agreement with Iran known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

That deal provided sanctions relief for Iran, with the Iranian government in exchange curbing its nuclear program and allowing inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency to periodically view its enrichment sites. France, Germany, Russia, the UK and the EU are some of the other parties signed onto the JCPOA.

Trump vows 'bombing' if no new Iran nuclear deal

Trump sent a letter to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei earlier this month, urging Iran to reach a new nuclear deal with the US in his second term in the White House.

In an interview with US broadcaster NBC News, Trump made new threats towards Iran if there is no new nuclear agreement with the US.

"If they don't make a deal," Trump told the outlet on Saturday evening, referring to Iran. "There will be bombing. It will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before."

Trump claimed that representatives from the US and Iran are "talking" on the matter.

The Trump administration has a "maximum pressure" approach towards Iran, which aims to both economically and politically isolate Tehran.

The Trump administration has also vowed to crack down on so-called Iranian proxies in the Middle East region, with the US currently attacking the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen .

Edited by: Roshni Majumdar

Author: Wesley Dockery (with AP, dpa)