US Negotiations Center on Nuclear Concerns and Sanction Relief

In a recent interview, Kazem Gharibabadi, the Iranian deputy foreign minister for legal affairs and a key member of the Iranian negotiating team, made it clear that Iran will not engage in discussions concerning non-nuclear issues. This statement highlights Iran’s firm stance on its nuclear rights and the preservation of its uranium enrichment capabilities.

During the interview broadcasted on national television, Gharibabadi emphasized that Iran intends to maintain its nuclear industry and its right to enrich uranium. He pointed out that such topics are not on the agenda for discussions, stating, “Nowhere in the IAEA or NPT charter does it say that countries are not allowed to enrich uranium or to what percentage. It only says that they should not go towards weaponization.”

Gharibabadi expressed Iran’s commitment to achieving a win-win understanding for all parties involved, aiming for a fair, just, reasonable, and durable agreement. He stressed the importance of creating a deal that would not only be established now but would also stand the test of time, avoiding future violations similar to those seen with the 2015 nuclear deal known as the JCPOA, from which the United States withdrew in May 2018.

He further elaborated on the necessity of a lasting agreement, indicating that any change in the US government should not affect the terms of the deal. Gharibabadi stated, “Iran is ready to reach such an agreement without any delay.”

At the beginning of the interview, he noted that the location of the next round of talks does not matter to Iran, although it has been confirmed that they will take place in Rome, Italy. He explained, “The reason for choosing Rome was the demand from the opposite side.”

In addition, Gharibabadi clarified that Oman would continue to mediate the discussions, as it did in the first round held in Muscat. The second session of talks is scheduled for Saturday, exactly one week after the initial discussions.

• Iran’s Nuclear Rights: Gharibabadi reiterated that Iran’s right to enrich uranium is non-negotiable.
• Durable Agreements: The Iranian official emphasized the need for agreements that withstand changes in political leadership.
• Next Round of Talks: Scheduled to take place in Rome, with Oman acting as a mediator.

In conclusion, Iran’s position on enriching uranium and the nuclear negotiations remains firm. Gharibabadi’s statements reflect a strong commitment to achieving a comprehensive agreement that respects Iran’s rights while ensuring that future political changes do not jeopardize the deal. With the upcoming talks in Rome, all eyes will be on how these discussions unfold and whether they can lead to a lasting resolution of the ongoing tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.