Iran-US Nuclear Talks Reach Impasse Amid Rising Tensions. Khamenei Condemns US Terms as “Insulting.”
America -Iran: Four rounds of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States have concluded without a concrete outcome. Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has denounced the US terms as “insulting,” asserting that America's behavior suggests an attempt to force Iran into submission.
Khamenei Rejects US Demands
According to Iranian state media, Khamenei expressed a lack of confidence in the nuclear talks and skepticism about reaching a satisfactory agreement with the US. He stated, “I don't think these talks with America will reach any conclusion. America should stop making excessive demands of Iran.”
US and Iran Clash Over Uranium Enrichment
The central point of contention revolves around uranium enrichment. The US argues that continued Iranian uranium enrichment could lead to the development of nuclear weapons. Iran, however, maintains that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes and energy production.
Iranian Minister Expresses Concerns About Negotiation Failure
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, explicitly stated on Monday that the talks would fail if the US aims to curtail Iran's domestic uranium enrichment. He declared, “We will not compromise our sovereignty.”
Iran Considering a New Proposal
Another senior Iranian official, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, stated on Tuesday that a new proposal from the US is under consideration. The details of this proposal remain unclear, but indications suggest the US continues to demand a halt to uranium enrichment in exchange for lifting sanctions.
Trump's Past Threats Resurface
Amidst the ongoing dispute, threats issued by former US President Donald Trump are being revisited. During his presidency, Trump repeatedly warned of potential military action if Iran failed to comply, stating, “If Iran doesn't take action soon, there will be serious consequences.”
The 2015 Nuclear Deal and its Collapse
A landmark nuclear agreement was reached between the US and Iran in 2015 during the Obama administration. Iran agreed to strict limits on uranium enrichment in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions. However, the Trump administration unilaterally withdrew from this agreement in 2018, reimposing sanctions on Iran.
Iran Increases Enrichment Capacity
Following Trump's decision, Iran retaliated by gradually increasing its uranium enrichment capacity, further escalating concerns among the US and European nations. The current negotiations aim to reinstate controls on Iran's program, but Iran remains unwilling to yield to pressure.
