Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted on Thursday that a nuclear agreement would be unattainable if the United States insists on halting Iran's uranium enrichment.

Why it matters:
Iran-U.S. indirect negotiations are crucial for addressing ongoing tensions and seeking a deal regarding Iran's nuclear program and U.S. sanctions.

The Big Picture:
Since April, Iran and the U.S. have engaged in indirect discussions over Tehran’s nuclear program and the potential lifting of the US sanctions. The fate of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) remains uncertain, with both sides holding firm to their positions.

What he is saying:
Araghchi dismissed U.S. demands for Iran to cease uranium enrichment, asserting that such a condition would make an agreement impossible. However, he stressed that Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons, and a deal could still be revived under certain terms.

Key points:

  • The fifth round of indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. is set to take place in Rome.
  • Tehran insists that stopping enrichment is “non-negotiable” but remains open to reviving the JCPOA.
  • U.S. officials continue to push for Iran to halt enrichment as part of any potential agreement.

Go deeper:
Iran’s nuclear program has been a persistent source of debate in international negotiations, with world powers seeking to limit its scope while Iran insists on its right to pursue nuclear energy. The 2015 nuclear deal was crafted to curb Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanction relief, but its effectiveness has been challenged over time. A revived agreement could provide economic relief for Iran, yet it would demand significant diplomatic concessions from all parties involved.

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