Iran to submit counterproposal for nuclear deal to the US through Oman.
Iran is set to unveil a counterproposal for a nuclear deal to the United States, as announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Esmaeil Baghaei, the ministry’s spokesperson, emphasized during a weekly news conference that Iran is unsatisfied with the recent US proposal, which emerged from the fifth round of negotiations. The new proposal will be delivered through Oman, a nation that plays a crucial role as a mediator in these discussions.
This development signals that Tehran is taking a firm stance against the US’s previous offers. In the recent discussions, Iran articulated concerns regarding the clarity of certain elements within the US proposal, prompting Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to comment on the ambiguities present in the text. Baghaei criticized the US proposal for lacking vital components that were anticipated from prior negotiations, although he did not elaborate on the specifics.
A significant contention point in these negotiations is the lifting of sanctions. Baghaei underscored that the US’s failure to address this issue, which has severely impacted Iran’s economy, is untenable for Tehran. The sanctions have posed a substantial barrier for the nation, restricting economic progression and ensuring that the priority of this demand remains central in upcoming negotiations.
Since April, Tehran and Washington have engaged in talks aimed at drafting a new nuclear agreement to succeed the prior accord that was abandoned by former President Donald Trump in 2018. These discussions have been characterized by a longstanding diplomatic standoff over the specifics of Iran’s uranium enrichment activities. Tehran maintains that such enrichment is a nonnegotiable right, while the US has labeled it a critical red line.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, recently expressed strong opposition to the US proposal, framing it as contrary to national interests. He reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to continuing uranium enrichment on its own territory, asserting that the country’s nuclear program is designed solely for peaceful purposes. This assertion contrasts with Western concerns that such programs may facilitate the development of nuclear weapons.
Additionally, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is set to convene its Board of Governors in Vienna to assess Iran’s nuclear activities. The agency’s recent report highlighted challenges in cooperation from Iran regarding past nuclear material found at undeclared sites. In response, Iran has criticized the IAEA for relying on what it calls “forged documents” provided by external entities.
As of now, the timeline for the next round of negotiations remains uncertain, but Iran appears resolute in its approach to securing a deal that meets its national interests while respecting its rights under international agreements.
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