DUBAI/PARIS (Reuters) – Diplomatic talks are underway between the United States and Iran, aimed at outlining steps that could include sanctions on Iran’s nuclear program, the release of detained U.S. citizens. Can secure, and unfreeze, Iranian assets held abroad. According to officials from both Iran and the West, the measures will be kept as an “understanding” rather than a formal agreement, avoiding the need for a review by the US Congress. Lawmakers who oppose giving Iran benefits due to its military aid to Russia, domestic coercion, and support for proxies targeting U.S. interests in the region have been a key factor in this approach.
After failing to restore the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, President Joe Biden’s administration seeks to restore some restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities to prevent the development of nuclear weapons that could threaten Israel and regional arsenals. can start the race. Iran maintains that it has no intention of developing nuclear weapons. The 2015 deal, which former President Donald Trump abandoned in 2018, imposed limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment of 3.67 percent and its stockpile of 202.8 kilograms (447 pounds), which Tehran has significantly reduced. has crossed
Since the breakdown of indirect talks between the US and Iran, US and European officials have been looking for ways to stop Iran’s nuclear efforts. The resumption of talks reflects a growing sense of urgency among Western capitals regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
While the U.S. administration has denied seeking an interim agreement, the carefully worded statements left open the possibility of an informal “understanding” that would bypass congressional review. State Department spokesman Matt Miller dismissed reports of a deal with Iran but said it would reduce tensions, halt Iran’s nuclear program, end support for regional proxy groups, end support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and provide security. emphasized the American goal of Release of detained Americans. Miller noted that diplomatic engagements are underway to achieve those goals, without providing specific details.
An Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said initial steps would likely include a prisoner exchange and partial release of Iran’s frozen assets. Subsequent steps could include easing U.S. sanctions to allow Iran to resume oil exports in exchange for halting 60 percent enrichment of uranium and increasing cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Describing the situation as a “chilling understanding,” a Western official, speaking anonymously, told Brett McGurk, a US National Security Council official, and Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Bagheri Kani. In between confirmed several visits to Oman for indirect talks. Additionally, US Special Envoy for Iran Rob Milley met with Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, signaling a breakthrough months after Iran refused to join directly.
The Iranian mission to the United Nations said the talks focused on understanding the situation and finding solutions to prevent further escalation. He emphasized the need to reduce the role of the opponents to diplomacy for the success of this path.
The Western official explained that his goal was to establish a status quo acceptable to all parties, urging Iran to refrain from crossing the Western red line of 90 percent enriched uranium, which is widely considered weapons-grade. Grade content is considered. There is also talk of a possible “pause” in Iran’s 60% enrichment. The details of that break, whether it would include a commitment not to enrich more than 60% or stop enrichment at 60%, are unclear. In addition to the 60% enrichment cut, further negotiations include increasing Iranian cooperation with the IAEA and refraining from installing more advanced centrifuges in exchange for substantial transfers of Iranian funds held abroad.
The timing of these actions and their relationship to the release of detained US citizens is unclear. Previous indications suggested that their release could be linked to the release of frozen funds. A spokesman for Iran’s foreign ministry hinted at ongoing negotiations through mediators without providing further details, mentioning the possibility of a prisoner exchange with the United States in the near future if goodwill is shown.
The Western official highlighted that one of the main goals of the US is to prevent the nuclear situation from deteriorating and to avoid possible clashes between Israel and Iran. The official feared that an Iranian miscalculation could trigger a harsh Israeli response, which he wants to avoid.
To avoid triggering a congressional review process, U.S. officials have been careful not to divulge their intentions.
