Diplomatic efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal entered a new phase this weekend as Iran described indirect talks with the U.S. in Oman as 'much more serious and frank'. The negotiations aim to salvage the fragile Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which collapsed after Washington withdrew in 2018 under former U.S. President Donald Trump. 🌍⚖️
Progress & Stumbling Blocks
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told state media the Muscat talks had shifted from broad discussions to specific proposals, calling them 'forward-moving' but increasingly complex. This 4th round of negotiations follows earlier sessions in Rome and Oman, with both sides agreeing to continue diplomatic efforts.
Iran's Non-Negotiable Red Line
President Masoud Pezeshkian drew a hard line on Iran's nuclear infrastructure: 'We will not relinquish our peaceful nuclear rights'. Rejecting U.S. demands to dismantle key facilities, he cited Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's religious decree banning nuclear weapons development. 💥🚫
U.S. Pressure vs. Iran's Vision
Washington doubled down on demands for Iran to dismantle facilities at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. But Tehran counters that its nuclear program supports medicine, agriculture, and energy – with Pezeshkian declaring: 'We hold talks because we want peace'. The standoff continues as diplomats hustle for common ground. 🌐💡
