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Abbas Araghchi, the foreign minister of Iran, has commenced discussions in Oman with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, expressing cautious optimism about reaching a fundamental agreement that could pave the way for further negotiations concerning Iran’s nuclear program.
The objective of these discussions is to outline the framework and specific parameters for potential talks that could ultimately lead to the lifting of some US economic sanctions on Iran and a redefinition of the country’s civil nuclear operations.
A significant agreement in the near future would mark a dramatic shift in the strained US-Iran relations, particularly since the landmark nuclear deal was abandoned by the Trump administration in 2018. At that time, Trump criticized the agreement, claiming it was based on falsehoods regarding Iran’s intentions regarding nuclear energy.
During these initial discussions, Araghchi intends to ascertain whether Witkoff has been given a limited mandate focused solely on preventing the militarization of Iran’s nuclear efforts, or a wider authority with broader political expectations, including the complete cessation of Iran’s nuclear program.
Upon his arrival in Muscat, Araghchi stated that Tehran seeks to engage in negotiations from a position of respect and equality. He indicated that if both sides are committed to this principle, it could lead to preliminaries that culminate in a clear schedule for future discussions.
In the time since the US withdrew from the nuclear agreement, Iran has accumulated a substantial stock of highly enriched uranium, which could be utilized for six nuclear weapons. However, Iranian officials maintain a religious decree against any aspirations for nuclear armament.
Previous American demands, particularly those encapsulated in recent executive orders, have given the impression of an aggressive stance, expecting Tehran to terminate its nuclear ambitions entirely, disband backing for various resistance factions, and halt missile advancements.
Nonetheless, a personal note from Trump did not reflect these extensive demands, and recent comments from Witkoff suggest a willingness to explore more feasible compromises, potentially focusing on uranium stockpile management and enhanced oversight.
If Witkoff insists on dismantling Iran’s civil nuclear program, Tehran may counter with a proposal establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East, which would entail US pressure on Israel to adhere to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and relinquish its own undisclosed nuclear capabilities. Such a proposal is expected to be met with rejection from both Israel and the US.
The situation in Iran remains precarious, with the economy in decline and energy shortages troubling citizens. President Masoud Pezeshkian has consistently advocated for dialogue with the US as a means to alleviate the burden posed by sanctions. However, he faces opposition from hardline factions within the Iranian parliament and allies of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei had previously expressed skepticism about the value of negotiations with the Trump administration, a sentiment Pezeshkian felt compelled to respect.
Despite Khamenei’s initial reluctance, the Iranian foreign ministry has influenced him to consider negotiations amid perceived threats to the regime, including potential military actions by Israel regarding Iranian nuclear sites.
While the Khamenei administration insists that initial talks be conducted indirectly to maintain dignity, there is mounting pressure from the US for direct engagement, especially given the longstanding absence of formal diplomatic relations since the 1979 Iranian revolution.
Pezeshkian has noted that there would be no objections from Khamenei towards American investment in Iran, inviting US investors to engage economically with the nation.
Trump has also adjusted his stance, recently stating, “I’m not asking for much; they can’t have a nuclear weapon,” emphasizing his desire for Iran to prosper as a nation.
Amid ongoing diplomatic engagements, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu remarked that any successful agreement would necessitate the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure under American oversight, alluding to a “Libya-style agreement,” which involved the voluntary forfeiture of nuclear capabilities by Muammar Gaddafi. However, Iran perceives a diminishing influence of Netanyahu over Trump regarding these negotiations.
Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister handling concurrent discussions with European officials, emphasized that productive dialogue is possible if the US refrains from introducing irrelevant demands and employs a respectful approach. He insisted that coercion would be intolerable from Iran’s perspective.
Araghchi, recognized for his experience during the 2015 negotiations and possessing a PhD in political thought, is accompanied by a technical team on this diplomatic venture.
The Omani foreign minister, Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi, is acting as a mediator in these discussions, a role that Oman has historically embraced to facilitate Middle Eastern diplomatic affairs.
Although Witkoff admits he lacks technical expertise regarding civil nuclear disarmament processes, he retains a level of trust from Trump regarding his judgment in these negotiations.
As noted by European officials, Iran finds itself under time constraints, as the UK, Germany, and France must decide by the end of July whether to reintroduce stringent UN sanctions against Tehran, with the deadline for such action expiring on October 18.
Source
www.theguardian.com