US says latest round of nuclear talks with Iran were 'encouraging'
Context:
The latest round of nuclear talks between the US and Iran in Oman has been described as encouraging by US envoy Steve Witkoff, while Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi found them difficult yet useful. Despite the ongoing negotiations, the US insists on Iran halting its uranium enrichment to prevent nuclear weapon development, a demand Tehran rejects, maintaining its nuclear activities are solely peaceful. The talks come in the backdrop of the US's 2018 withdrawal from the nuclear agreement, causing Iran to breach the 2015 deal's restrictions in retaliation for US-imposed sanctions. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that Iran has amassed uranium enriched to 60% purity, raising concerns about potential weapons-grade development. Both parties have agreed to continue discussions to resolve technical issues, yet the complex geopolitical landscape and media contradictions pose significant challenges to achieving a comprehensive agreement.
Dive Deeper:
The fourth round of nuclear talks between the US and Iran took place in Oman, with both sides agreeing to continue discussions, as US envoy Steve Witkoff found the talks encouraging, while Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi deemed them difficult but useful.
The US demands Iran cease uranium enrichment to prevent nuclear weapon development, a condition Iran refuses, arguing its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only and asserting the enrichment issue is non-negotiable.
The US's 2018 withdrawal from the nuclear agreement led Iran to violate the 2015 deal's restrictions in response to reinstated US sanctions, significantly advancing its nuclear program.
The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that Iran has enriched uranium to 60% purity, close to weapons-grade levels, raising international concerns about potential nuclear armament.
Despite the complex geopolitical challenges and media contradictions affecting negotiations, both countries aim to work through technical elements and have expressed a willingness to meet again to further discussions.