Negotiations on a high scale regarding nuclear arms between the United States and Iran are taking place in Geneva for the first time in approximately three months, with strong signals from both countries. In Washington, the United States is sending clear messages that there are hard limits in terms of Iran’s nuclear – capability; while also displaying positive signals from the Iranian leadership on their commitment to finding a diplomatic solution.
“Iran is committed to peace and stability in the region,” stated Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, while further stressing the need for Iran to have a continuous capacity to respond to any situation that arises due to increasing tensions.
The United States has sent a strong signal of ‘no nuclear enrichment’ to Iran through its special envoy to the negotiations, Steve Witkoff. “The Trump administration has clear limits regarding the amount of uranium Iran can enrich,” Witkoff commented, adding that “zero enrichment” is required in return for any agreement on nuclear arms between the two nations. In addition, Witkoff stated that “the level of uranium enrichment has reached an extremely high level.
According to some sources, Iran’s uranium has been enriched to almost 60% purity. This is tantamount to weapons grade material and if this is accurate, it indicates that Iran could produce enough bomb grade materials very quickly.
Washington has backed up its demands with a major military buildup, including aircraft carriers, jet fighters, and missile defence systems all over the Middle East. In addition, Donald Trump has made it very clear to everyone that if diplomacy fails, he will consider a military strike.
Talks resume amid military tensions and mediation
The next round of diplomatic negotiations, which are coming under the auspices of Oman, will take place on February 26, 2016 in Geneva. There were a couple of earlier rounds held in Muscat and Geneva, where both sides agreed to some guiding principles but made no real progress toward closing their differences.
Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of Iran, indicated that there was still a “good possibility” for diplomacy. However, he reiterated that any agreement must be based on respect for Iran’s rights and must include some measure of sanctions relief.
Iran has long claimed that its nuclear program is peaceful and intended for peaceful uses only. However, the U.S. and its allies continue to be concerned that Iran could eventually be able to develop a nuclear weapon.
Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran, has warned that any military attack against Iran would have serious consequences for the region.
ALSO READ: Why fears of a US-Iran war are rising again despite ongoing nuclear talks
Protesters & Regional Risk Increase Difficulty of Diplomacy
The timing of these talks is delicate; Iran is experiencing new anti-government protests, as increasing dissatisfaction leads to student protests across Tehran and other cities.
Additionally, with military forces being redeployed in increasing numbers near the Strait of Hormuz, there is an increased risk to both Iran and US interests in the event of confrontation between the two countries.
These talks will determine if there is a chance for diplomacy to help resolve one of the world’s most dangerous geopolitical issues.
If successful, the Geneva negotiations may result in sanctions being lifted, a decrease in regional tensions, and no nuclear escalation. However, in the event of a failed agreement, the risk of military conflict and increased instability will grow in the Middle East.
For now, both sides are preparing for possible peaceful resolutions or an escalation to a confrontation.
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