Senior Iranian officials have described the latest U.S. nuclear proposal as incoherent and disjointed, signaling growing frustration within Tehran as well as fears that negotiations are faltering.
Omani mediation allowed for the U.S. proposal, which allows for limited, low-level enrichment on Iranian soil under strict international oversight, but according to an Iranian official it contradicts prior understandings and lacks clarity on key issues like lifting sanctions (politicalwire.com +2; axios + 2; the Guardian + 2)
“The constant shifting in American positions has long been a roadblock to successful talks and now makes their work even harder than before,” an Iranian official stated, emphasizing Iran’s strong position regarding maintaining its enrichment capabilities. metro.newschannelnebraska.com
Tass.com
Trump also said any potential agreement would prohibit Iran’s enrichment, contradicting earlier indications from U.S. officials that limited enrichment might be acceptable.
Recently, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Iran has increased its stockpile of near weapons-grade uranium enrichment levels, creating urgency in negotiations.
As talks regarding Iran-Iraq relations advance slowly and negotiations seem uncertain, diplomatic solutions seem increasingly unlikely. This raises fears of renewed tensions and further escalation within the region.