Iran and the USA held indirect negotiations for hours on Thursday, the 26th, about the Iranian nuclear program, but did not reach an agreement. At the same time, the Americans increased pressure with new demands and the sending of more jets and ships to the region, leaving open the risk of another war in the Middle East.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who mediated the negotiations in Geneva, said there had been “significant progress in the negotiations”, without giving further details. He stated that they will resume in Vienna next week with technical teams.
According to the Wall Street Journalciting officials, Donald Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, stated in the negotiation that Iran must destroy its three main nuclear facilities – Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan – and hand over all remaining enriched uranium to the US.
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They also stated that any nuclear agreement must be permanent – and not have an expiration date, as happened with the restrictions negotiated during the Barack Obama administration. Trump withdrew from this agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, in his first term, reimposing sanctions on the country.
Reaction
Iran has rejected the idea of moving its uranium stocks abroad. The country also opposed an end to enrichment, the dismantling of its nuclear facilities and permanent restrictions on its program, people familiar with the negotiations said.
The US president sees an opportunity to achieve his goals as the country faces internal difficulties with growing dissent following widespread protests. Iran also hopes to avoid war, but does not want to discuss other issues, such as support for allied armed groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
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Attack
In June, Iranians and Americans were engaged in negotiations when Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran, starting a 12-day war. The conflict culminated in the US dropping bunker-busting bombs on Iran’s three main nuclear facilities, significantly damaging the structures and temporarily halting the nuclear program. The uranium stockpile is believed to be buried beneath the rubble of one of the nuclear facilities, according to US officials. (WITH INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES)
