Iran and US Set for Crucial Nuclear Negotiations in Rome
Upcoming Indirect Talks Between Iran and the US
The Iranian foreign ministry has announced that the fifth round of 'indirect' negotiations with the United States is scheduled for Friday in Rome. These discussions, facilitated by Oman, aim to revive stalled diplomatic efforts regarding Iran's nuclear program, which seeks to limit its nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions imposed by the US on Iran. Washington asserts that Iran's uranium enrichment could potentially lead to the development of nuclear weapons, a claim that Tehran has consistently refuted, maintaining that its nuclear endeavors are solely for peaceful purposes.
Prior to the negotiations, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that a lack of enrichment would indicate 'we do NOT have a deal.' He emphasized, 'Determining the path to an agreement is straightforward: Zero nuclear weapons means we DO have a deal, while zero enrichment means we do NOT have a deal. It's time to make a decision...'
Iran's Firm Stance on Nuclear Rights
In an interview with national Iranian television on May 22, Araghchi reiterated Iran's commitment to its nuclear rights, asserting that the nation has the right to pursue peaceful nuclear technology. He stated, 'We will not retreat from our rights. Our nuclear program, including enrichment, must continue. However, we are open to confidence-building measures and broader monitoring, as we are confident in the peaceful nature of our program,' according to state media IRNA.
A report from a media outlet on May 20 cited US officials claiming that Israel was preparing to attack Iranian nuclear facilities. In response, Araghchi warned that any Israeli aggression targeting Iran's nuclear sites would provoke a strong response, as has been the case previously. He has formally informed the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Iran will implement special measures to protect its people, interests, and nuclear facilities, with further details to be shared later.
In a message posted on social media, Araghchi remarked, 'Threats from the rogue Israeli regime are not new. However, the recent leak regarding US officials discussing Israeli plans for an unlawful attack on Iran's nuclear facilities is concerning and deserves immediate condemnation from the UN Security Council and the IAEA.'
The media report indicated that the US has acquired new intelligence suggesting that Israel is preparing to strike Iranian nuclear sites. US officials have cautioned that it remains unclear whether Israeli leaders have made a definitive decision, noting that there is significant disagreement within the US government regarding the likelihood of an Israeli action. The potential for an Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities has reportedly increased in recent months, particularly in light of the prospect of a US-Iran deal that does not eliminate all of Iran's uranium.
The media outlet also reported that former President Trump has threatened military action against Iran if negotiations to establish a new nuclear deal fail. In a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in mid-March, Trump set a 60-day deadline for successful negotiations. Khamenei stated on Tuesday that he does not anticipate that discussions with the US regarding Iran's nuclear program will 'reach a conclusion,' labeling the US demand for Iran to cease uranium enrichment as a 'significant mistake.' Iran maintains its right to enrich uranium under the United Nations' Treaty on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and asserts it will not relinquish this right under any circumstances.