Iran’s parliament speaker declared on Sunday, via state media, that the latest US nuclear proposal does not include the lifting of sanctions, a key issue that has seemingly stalled negotiations. This comes after Iran expressed concerns about “ambiguities” in the draft text. The two nations have engaged in five rounds of talks, facilitated by Oman since April, in an effort to restore a landmark agreement that previously restricted Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. That accord was unilaterally abandoned by the former US President in 2018.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the parliament speaker, stated in a televised address that “the US plan does not even mention the lifting of sanctions,” deeming this a clear indication of dishonesty. He further accused the Americans of attempting to impose a “unilateral” agreement that Tehran is unwilling to accept. Ghalibaf advised the US president to reconsider his approach if a genuine resolution is truly desired.
After the fifth round of talks on May 31, Iran confirmed receiving “elements” of a US proposal, although officials later raised concerns about “ambiguities” in the draft. The US and its Western allies have long harbored suspicions that the Islamic republic is seeking to develop nuclear weapons, a charge Iran has consistently denied, maintaining that its atomic program is solely for peaceful purposes.
The primary sticking points in the negotiations are the removal of severe economic sanctions and the contentious issue of uranium enrichment. Tehran asserts its right to enrich uranium under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, while the previous US administration considered any Iranian enrichment a “red line.” The current US administration, having revived its “maximum pressure” campaign, has repeatedly stated that uranium enrichment will not be permitted under a potential deal. Iran’s chief negotiator recently affirmed that the country “will not ask anyone for permission to continue enriching uranium.” The international nuclear monitoring body indicates Iran is the only non-nuclear-weapon state globally enriching uranium up to 60%, which is still short of the 90% needed for a nuclear warhead. Iran’s supreme leader also rejected the latest US proposal, emphasizing enrichment as “key” to Iran’s nuclear program.