Iran’s Government has taken a tough line on their nuclear program, pledging that they will “never” stop enriching uranium, even if threatened with military action. Negotiations between Iran and the United States are underway in Oman.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke at an event in Tehran and reiterated that Iran would not permit external entities to dictate their decisions.
“We’re committed to the process of Uranium Enrichment even if we are attacked by foreign countries because it is not the prerogative of a foreign government to make these decisions for us,” he said.
Araghchi made these comments shortly after his first meeting with US Secretary of State Steve Biegun, marking the first major diplomatic contact between the two governments in months.
Negotiations resumed yesterday between Iran and the US on their nuclear program, and Araghchi described the initial discussions as a “good first step” towards reestablishing the trust necessary for productive diplomatic relations; however, he noted that this is still only the first of many steps needed to create a solid foundation for constructive diplomatic relations.
US President Donald Trump commented positively on the talks, saying he “felt good” about them, and that he would like to continue discussing the issues with Iran soon. Meanwhile, the US continues to apply pressure to Iran through additional sanctions and tariffs against any company doing business with Iran.
Tehran argues that these actions hinder diplomacy.
“America’s inability to remove sanctions suggests that it does not want a resolution,” said Araghchi.
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Military Pressure and Warnings in the Region
Tensions in the Middle East are still high. The US has continued to send military officials to its aircraft carrier stationed in the Arabian Sea. This reinforces the United States’ message of “Peace Through Strength.”
Araghchi said that he does not believe Iran is intimidated by this. He warned that if an American attack occurred against Iran, it would invite retaliation against US Military Bases.
Iran has refused to negotiate its missile capability, stating that it is a fundamental aspect of Iran’s national defence capabilities.
Israeli leaders have urged that the negotiations be expanded by the US. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that all agreements must put limits on Iranian missiles and Iranian support for its affiliates in the region.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called Iranian ambitions a clear threat to peace.
Sanctions, the Economy, and Domestic Pressures
Iran is asking for relief from US led economic sanctions which have strained both their economy and society. As a compromise to achieve relief from American economic sanctions, Iran is willing to provide confidence building measures on its nuclear program.
According to Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the Islamic Republic has a commitment to the principles of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. “It is not our intent to make an atomic bomb,” he continued. “We have the power to say no”.
President Masoud Pezeshkian described this as a step forward, but the internal pressures within Iran are still very high. The Iranian government continues to deal with the aftermath of the protests against poor economic and political conditions that have occurred over the last few months.
Analysts believe that there will be additional negotiations going forward, but the overall climate is one that is characterized by sanctions, military deployments, and an atmosphere of distrust because of how firmly both sides have maintained their positions. If there is to be a major breakthrough between these two parties, significant compromises will need to be made on the part of both nations. Until such a breakthrough occurs, the Iranian negotiations regarding their nuclear program will continue to be one of the most dangerous geopolitical crises in existence.
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