Kyodo News, Japan's leading news agency, reported Sunday that nuclear negotiations between Iran and Western powers are set to resume next month, as the eighth round of talks between the two sides has been on hold for more than 3 years.
According to the Japanese news outlet, Iranian officials are expected to meet with representatives from Britain, France, and Germany in Geneva, Switzerland. The discussions will focus on establishing a new nuclear agreement to replace the 2015 accord, which the United States abandoned.
Sources indicate the timing of the talks would coincide with President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, though it remains unclear whether the incoming administration has been consulted or has approved the diplomatic initiative. The new president's position could prove decisive for the talks' prospects.
However, these diplomatic overtures stand in stark contrast to recent developments at the International Atomic Energy Agency. The IAEA Board of Governors issued a formal resolution Thursday condemning Iran's insufficient cooperation with the nuclear watchdog. This represents the second censure of Iran in five months, delivered despite explicit warnings from Tehran against such action.
