Why it matters:
The U.S. pressures and extravagant demands after four rounds of the Islamic Republic's participation in talks to settle the Iranian nuclear issue signal that the U.S. seeks something more than the nuclear issue itself.
The big picture:
Talks between Iran and the U.S., though indirect, are seen as a potential pathway toward reviving stalled negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. However, progress has been limited over the U.S. threats and contradictory statements from U.S. officials.
Key points:
- The U.S. says Iran must totally halt uranium enrichment in its nuclear program to make the U.S. and Israel sure that it will not develop a nuclear weapon.
- Iran, as a member of the NPT, says it preserves the right for its peaceful nuclear program under the very treaty.
What we're hearing:
The source said: "In response to Iran's flexibility and cooperation, they have escalated their demands without offering any concrete plan or promise to lift sanctions".
"This aligns with the initial assessment that the negotiations are a cognitive trap set by the Trump administration, involving a division of roles between the United States and the Zionist regime."
State of play:
Tehran is still deciding whether to participate in the next round of nuclear talks, reiterating that uranium enrichment will continue regardless of any agreement.
Go deeper:
Iran Proceeds Uranium Enrichment, With or Without Deal: Araghchi
seyed mohammad kazemi
