Iran says an imminent nuclear agreement with world powers depends on constructive final steps by Washington in the coming days.
Tehran stated yesterday that it will turn back to the Austrian capital to finalize the nuclear deal. Tehran claims that restoring the historic 2015 nuclear agreement with foreign superpowers is contingent on Washington’s final moves.
Iran has been in a year-long talks in Vienna to resurrect the nuclear agreement. The original Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was reached directly with the world powers and EU back in 2015.
The negotiations have been in halt for the past weeks for a series of reasons ranging from political rifts to the war in Ukraine. “We will not be going to Vienna for new negotiations but to finalize the nuclear agreement,” Iranian spokesperson at the diplomatic apparatus asserted.
Tehran reaffirmed that there are still serious points of discrepancy between the two sides that should be addressed. Iranian authorities announced that they’re expecting the final answer by American counterparts on the final demands.
Iran received exemption from sanctions in return for restrictions on its nuclear activities under the accord. The constraints meant to prevent Tehran from developing or acquiring an atomic weapon, something Tehran has consistently rejected desiring.
However, then-President Donald Trump’s abrupt departure from the agreement in 2018 shattered the initial agreement. Trump reinstituted harsh economic penalties, prompting Iran to walk away from its treaty obligations.
The Vienna negotiations attempt to bring the United States back into the nuclear agreement, including by removing sanctions against Tehran. They also intend to guarantee that Tehran honors all of its obligations.
During the discussions in Austrian capital, the Tehran and Washington officials didn’t involve in direct talks. Other attendees, as well as the European Union, function as a mediator between the two parties.
Nuclear Agreement in Haze
After fresh Russian requirements following the Ukraine crisis, the nuclear discussions faced suspension in March. Moscow demanded assurances that post-war sanctions by the West would not harm its commercial and financial transactions with Tehran.
Subsequently, Russian Foreign Minister stated that the US has provided Russia with the crucial commercial guarantees. A demand about removing Iranian IRGC force from the US terrorist list has been one of the other disputed subjects. Washington has dodged on addressing the demand further complicating the circumstance towards reaching a final nuclear agreement.
In fresh moves that seemed to add salt to the injuries, the US Treasury issued sanctions against multiple businesses last Wednesday. The department alleged the targets with involvement in the procurement of materials for Iran’s ballistic missile development. In response, Iranian spokesperson said “today, in the final phase, the United States seeks to deprive Iran of the economic benefits of the agreement.”
A day later, the Iranian foreign minister asserted that the negotiations in the Austrian capital on the revival of the 2015 nuclear agreement are close to a final step. Tehran has made its offers, according to Hossein Amir Abdollahian, and it’s on the United States to
Iranian foreign minister made the remarks in a voice call with UN Secretary-General on Sunday. According to Amir Abdollahian, Iran has presented recommendations to the US through the European Union (EU) coordinator on the remaining unsolved concerns.
Antonio Guterres praised the progress made so far in the nuclear discussions in Vienna, Austria. He expressed optimism that parties will reach a deal in the near future resolving a major part of regional conflicts.
During the recent weeks, both parties to the nuclear agreement expressed satisfaction about the advancements while putting the blame on the other side for a last decision.
