Iran-US Nuclear Talks: A Recipe for Conflict or Cooperation?
Iran’s Red Lines
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has made it clear that his country will not negotiate under "intimidation" as he held crucial talks with the UN nuclear chief, Rafael Grossi, weeks before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Araghchi, who was Iran’s chief negotiator in the landmark 2015 nuclear deal, emphasized that Iran is willing to negotiate based on its national interest and inalienable rights, but is not ready to negotiate under pressure and intimidation.
Grossi’s Warning
Grossi, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief, has warned that achieving "results" in nuclear talks with Iran is vital to avoid a new conflict in the region. He emphasized that Iranian nuclear installations "should not be attacked" but Trump is expected to give Israel a far freer rein after he takes office in January.
The IAEA’s Role
Grossi’s visit to Tehran comes at a critical juncture, with international tensions running high over Iran’s nuclear program. The IAEA has repeatedly called for more cooperation from Iran, which has gradually rolled back its commitments under the 2015 deal. Iran has significantly expanded its stocks of uranium enriched to 60 percent, a level that has triggered international alarm.
Iran’s Response
Iran has blamed the incoming US president for the standoff, with government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani saying that "the one who left the agreement was not Iran, it was America." Trump’s looming return to the White House in January has only added to international fears of all-out conflict between Israel and Iran.
The Search for Solutions
Grossi has called for diplomatic solutions, warning that "the margins for manoeuvre are beginning to shrink." He plans to visit uranium enrichment plants at Fordo and Natanz on Friday to get a "full picture" of Iran’s nuclear program. The foundations of the program date back to the late 1950s, when the United States signed a civil cooperation agreement with the Western-backed shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
Iran’s Nuclear Doctrine
Some lawmakers have called on the government to revise its nuclear doctrine to develop an atomic bomb. They have urged supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to reconsider his longstanding religious edict or fatwa banning nuclear weapons. However, Iran has remained committed to its peaceful nuclear program, with President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasizing the need for cooperation with the West and the revival of the 2015 deal.
Conclusion
The standoff over Iran’s nuclear program remains a pressing concern, with the risk of conflict and the need for diplomatic solutions hanging in the balance. As the world waits to see how the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the consequences of failure could be catastrophic.
FAQs
- What is the current status of the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and major powers?
The deal has been abandoned by Trump, and Iran has started to gradually roll back its commitments under the agreement. - What is the main concern of the IAEA regarding Iran’s nuclear program?
The IAEA is concerned about Iran’s enriched uranium stocks, which are significantly higher than the allowed levels under the 2015 deal. - Has Iran threatened to develop an atomic bomb?
No, Iran has remained committed to its peaceful nuclear program and has emphasized the need for cooperation with the West. However, some lawmakers have called on the government to reconsider its nuclear doctrine. - What is the role of the IAEA in resolving the standoff over Iran’s nuclear program?
The IAEA plays a crucial role in monitoring Iran’s nuclear program and verifying its compliance with the 2015 deal. The agency has called for more cooperation from Iran and has warned of the risks of conflict if a solution is not found.