Senior Iranian clerics have cautiously welcomed renewed indirect negotiations with the U.S. regarding Iran’s nuclear program, emphasizing national sovereignty and the need for sanctions relief. During a Friday sermon, interim prayer leader Mohammad-Hassan Aboutorabi-Fard highlighted Iran’s commitment to a peaceful nuclear agenda and transparency while resisting external pressures. Indirect talks in Rome and Muscat aim to gauge U.S. sincerity, with Iran’s Foreign Minister calling them a critical test. Clerics warned against overreliance on diplomacy, advocating for structural economic reforms regardless of negotiation outcomes. They reiterated the importance of national strength and scientific advancement in securing Iran’s interests and sovereignty.
Iranian spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei recently criticized the actions of the UK, France, and Germany in nuclear negotiations, calling them “irresponsible and obstructive.” He accused the European nations of misusing the JCPOA’s dispute resolution mechanism to impose US-aligned demands. Baghaei emphasized that Iran has engaged constructively with the IAEA but faced unreasonable conditions from Europe. He asserted that the European troika’s actions create no legal obligations for UN member states and highlighted a lack of consensus among permanent Security Council members regarding sanctions. He affirmed that Iran has no current plans to negotiate with the US, focusing instead on evaluating European actions.
Recent indirect negotiations between Iran and the U.S. in Muscat, Oman, concluded with both sides describing the sessions as “difficult but useful.” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei announced that the talks improved understanding of each party’s positions on critical issues, including Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions. He confirmed that Oman would organize the next round of discussions. Led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. Special Envoy Steven Witkoff, the talks faced challenges, particularly regarding uranium enrichment, which Araqchi deemed “non-negotiable.” The discussions lasted several hours, focusing on finding realistic solutions to ongoing tensions.
As tensions escalate in the Middle East, nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S. have gained attention from the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC), particularly Saudi Arabia and Iraq. These talks are crucial for regional stability and economic interests. PGCC nations have unified in their support for dialogue, seeking security guarantees and avoiding conflict. Saudi Arabia’s recent diplomatic engagement with Iran, including a significant visit from its Defense Minister, reflects its commitment to de-escalation. Iraq plays a key role in facilitating discussions. However, challenges remain, including divisions within the U.S. and potential Israeli military actions, complicating the negotiations’ future.
Negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program are intensifying, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei asserting that halting the program is not an option. He emphasized that Iran’s primary goals are to maintain its nuclear advancements and to lift sanctions affecting its population. Recently, Iranian negotiators, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, engaged in discussions with a U.S. delegation in Muscat, facilitated by Oman. These talks are seen as productive and aim to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions, potential sanctions relief, and possibly replace the 2015 deal abandoned by the U.S. during the Trump administration.
Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir Saeed Iravani, has denied allegations of Iran supporting the Yemeni Houthis, responding to a UN report suggesting external backing for the group. The report claimed the Houthis have strengthened militarily due to assistance from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hezbollah, and Iraqi specialists, asserting they lack the capacity to develop complex weapon systems independently. The Houthis have aligned with Hamas during the ongoing Gaza conflict, launching UAVs towards Israel. This collaboration and Iran’s denial reflect the intricate geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for international attention to the evolving situation in Yemen.