Iran is open to talks with the US concerning nuclear program militarization but under strict conditions. Ayatollah Khamenei rebuffed negotiations influenced by US pressure, citing unacceptable demands. Meanwhile, Trump expressed a desire for negotiations despite enforcing a maximum pressure campaign against Iran following the 2015 nuclear deal withdrawal, as concerns grow over uranium enrichment activities.
Iran has expressed a conditional openness to discussions with the United States regarding concerns related to the potential militarization of its nuclear program. However, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei firmly stated that negotiations under U.S. pressure would not occur. A recent post by Iran’s UN mission highlighted that talks may be considered if aimed at addressing these concerns, yet noted unequivocally that any negotiations aimed at dismantling Iran’s peaceful nuclear program would be rejected.
In his recent remarks, Khamenei emphasized Iran’s unyielding stance, indicating that there are “new demands” from the U.S. regarding Iran’s defense capabilities and missile range, which Iran will not accept. This underscores the ongoing tension between Iran and the United States, particularly concerning nuclear advancements.
Amid these developments, former U.S. President Donald Trump recently stated he wishes to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran and had sent a letter to Iranian leadership proposing discussions. Despite this suggestion, Trump has simultaneously implemented a maximum pressure campaign aimed at economically isolating Iran and hindering its oil exports, principles established during his previous administration.
The situation has further intensified following the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement, which had regulated Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for easing sanctions. Since the U.S. reinstated restrictions in 2018, Iran has progressively breached the agreement’s limits, advancing its uranium enrichment activities. The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, has cautioned that time is running out for diplomatic efforts to impose new controls on Iran’s advancing nuclear activities, which it claims are exclusively for peaceful purposes.
In summary, while Iran has shown a willingness to discuss its nuclear program under specified conditions, Ayatollah Khamenei’s refusal to engage in negotiations influenced by U.S. pressure emphasizes a significant hurdle in U.S.-Iran relations. The backdrop of ongoing sanctions and geopolitical tensions creates a complex environment for potential diplomatic engagements with the Islamic Republic as it continues to enhance its nuclear capabilities.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
