Iran is willing to delay enrichment under IAEA oversight, but insists its nuclear facilities remain on iranian soil. US says the proposal is under consideration, yet falls short and considers limited strikes if talks do not progress.
A Western diplomat described the talks as “one step forward and two hiding behind,” with Tehran showing willingness to compromise on the nuclear issue and proposed regional economic initiatives. However, it is rejecting international inspections and deep disputes with Washington remain.
The second round of talks between the US and Iran ended in Geneva after about five hours, Araghchi said: “The discussions were more serious, but no date was set for the next round." According to The Wall Street Journal, Iran proposed not resuming enrichment and transferring part of its enriched uranium to another country, but refused to give up enrichment entirely.
Tehran believes that incorporating US companies into Iran’s energy, aviation and mining sectors would create a clear American interest in preserving a future agreement. Diplomatic sources assess that the move is a calculated attempt to appeal to the business instincts of President Donald Trump and the team around him.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi said in an interview that “the ball is in America’s court to prove that it seeks an agreement,” and while confirming that another round of talks will take place and describing the discussions as positive, he added: “If we feel it is an existential threat, we will respond accordingly.”
Iran’s National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani is set to meet Omani officials on Tuesday following US-Iran talks that ended without major breakthroughs. Meanwhile, Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, said Tehran might be willing to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium in return for the full removal of sanctions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that his country would under no circumstances agree to stop uranium enrichment, stressing that talks with the US are focused solely on the nuclear issue. “Our atomic bomb is the ability to say no,” he said.
There is a significant gap between statements in Iran claiming that only the nuclear issue is on the table in talks with the Americans. Diplomatic sources familiar with the discussions who say that talk of a “positive atmosphere” is merely diplomatic wording for the absence of any real agreements.
Behind the impression of firm American resolve, it is becoming clear that in the secret talks held in Oman, Iran initially managed to bend the agenda to its advantage. What concessions are being weighed behind the scenes, who actually defused the crisis, and is the regime heading toward a dangerous internal confrontation?
According to the New York Times, ballistic missiles and support for terrorist organizations will also be on the table in Oman. Tehran presented its own demand, fearing Trump would stage a “show.”
