The third round of talks between the United States and Iran concluded on Saturday, this time with the participation of working teams from both sides. According to an announcement by the Omani mediator, “the sides dealt with principles, objectives, and technical issues and agreed to meet again, at the senior level, next Saturday (May 3).” Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi described the talks as “more serious” than previous rounds, noting that the sides delved into details and technological issues and even exchanged written positions between them. However, Araghchi emphasized that significant differences remain on a wide range of issues,, both in the details and in the broader framework, which each side will have to review upon returning home. The Iranian foreign minister also noted that experts from the Iranian Atomic Energy Commission would likely join the Iranian delegation at the next round of meetings. Meanwhile, American sources characterized the talks as “positive and productive.” At the same time, most officials in Iran continue to align with Supreme Leader Khamenei’s position, which supports holding negotiations—a position that was also expressed during the Friday sermons.
Prior to the meeting, Iran made fairly clear boundaries guaranteeing its right to enrich uranium, rejecting any attempts to equate its program with the “Libyan model” (dismantling the program) and/or the “Emirati model” (purchasing nuclear fuel for reactors from abroad). A willingness to compromise on the level of enrichment appears to be emerging, alongside a demand for real guarantees that the United States will not withdraw from any future agreement. In this regard, the Iranians may seek backing from Russia and possibly China (a meeting between representatives of the three countries has already taken place). In addition, Iran also has signaled its readiness to resume comprehensive inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); in the coming days, a technical delegation from the agency is supposed to arrive in Tehran to discuss reinstating cameras and other monitoring issues. In return, Iran demands that the full and effective lifting of sanctions. At the same time, it has expressed a willingness to accept concrete American investments and even proposed that the United States build power reactors in Iran as a kind of economic incentive for President Trump.
President Trump continues to express optimism. In an interview with Time Magazine, he said that he hopes “an agreement can be reached without the need for a strike in Iran” and expressed interest in meeting with Iran’s leader. Responding to a question, he stressed that Prime Minister Netanyahu would not drag him into a war with Iran, asserting “I will lead” if a deal is not achieved. While the Trump administration seems to have accepted the basic principle previously adopted by President Obama that Iran has the right to enrich uranium, it appears that, under pressure from hawkish officials, it has not completely given up efforts to propose alternatives that would prevent enrichment. According to the Wall Street Journal, the US administration is also seeking to include the issue of Iranian missile development in the agreement, which Iran has firmly refused. In conclusion, even if the two sides are projecting cautious optimism, it seems that only now have they begun to engage in the core contentious issues, which may make it difficult to quickly formulate an agreement.
The third round of talks between the United States and Iran concluded on Saturday, this time with the participation of working teams from both sides. According to an announcement by the Omani mediator, “the sides dealt with principles, objectives, and technical issues and agreed to meet again, at the senior level, next Saturday (May 3).” Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi described the talks as “more serious” than previous rounds, noting that the sides delved into details and technological issues and even exchanged written positions between them. However, Araghchi emphasized that significant differences remain on a wide range of issues,, both in the details and in the broader framework, which each side will have to review upon returning home. The Iranian foreign minister also noted that experts from the Iranian Atomic Energy Commission would likely join the Iranian delegation at the next round of meetings. Meanwhile, American sources characterized the talks as “positive and productive.” At the same time, most officials in Iran continue to align with Supreme Leader Khamenei’s position, which supports holding negotiations—a position that was also expressed during the Friday sermons.
Prior to the meeting, Iran made fairly clear boundaries guaranteeing its right to enrich uranium, rejecting any attempts to equate its program with the “Libyan model” (dismantling the program) and/or the “Emirati model” (purchasing nuclear fuel for reactors from abroad). A willingness to compromise on the level of enrichment appears to be emerging, alongside a demand for real guarantees that the United States will not withdraw from any future agreement. In this regard, the Iranians may seek backing from Russia and possibly China (a meeting between representatives of the three countries has already taken place). In addition, Iran also has signaled its readiness to resume comprehensive inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); in the coming days, a technical delegation from the agency is supposed to arrive in Tehran to discuss reinstating cameras and other monitoring issues. In return, Iran demands that the full and effective lifting of sanctions. At the same time, it has expressed a willingness to accept concrete American investments and even proposed that the United States build power reactors in Iran as a kind of economic incentive for President Trump.
President Trump continues to express optimism. In an interview with Time Magazine, he said that he hopes “an agreement can be reached without the need for a strike in Iran” and expressed interest in meeting with Iran’s leader. Responding to a question, he stressed that Prime Minister Netanyahu would not drag him into a war with Iran, asserting “I will lead” if a deal is not achieved. While the Trump administration seems to have accepted the basic principle previously adopted by President Obama that Iran has the right to enrich uranium, it appears that, under pressure from hawkish officials, it has not completely given up efforts to propose alternatives that would prevent enrichment. According to the Wall Street Journal, the US administration is also seeking to include the issue of Iranian missile development in the agreement, which Iran has firmly refused. In conclusion, even if the two sides are projecting cautious optimism, it seems that only now have they begun to engage in the core contentious issues, which may make it difficult to quickly formulate an agreement.