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Key Points

Iran and the United States are engaged in delicate nuclear negotiations in Oman, with both sides showing cautious optimism about potential progress. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, describe the talks as more serious and frank, while firmly rejecting US demands to dismantle nuclear infrastructure. President Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran's nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, referencing Supreme Leader Khamenei's religious decree against nuclear weapons. The discussions aim to potentially revive the 2015 nuclear deal, which the US unilaterally withdrew from in 2018.

Key Points: Iran Nuclear Talks Intensify Amid US Facility Dismantling Demands

  • Iran signals more constructive nuclear talks with US in Oman
  • Pezeshkian firmly rejects demands to dismantle nuclear facilities
  • Negotiations focus on reviving 2015 nuclear deal
  • Talks characterised as 'forward-moving' by Foreign Minister Araqchi
2 min read

Iran says nuclear talks 'more serious,' rejects US call to dismantle facilities

Iran and US engage in serious nuclear negotiations in Oman, with Tehran rejecting US calls to dismantle nuclear infrastructure

"We are serious in the negotiations and seek an agreement. We hold talks because we want peace - President Masoud Pezeshkian"

Tehran, May 12

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said that indirect negotiations with the United States in Oman to revive the 2015 nuclear deal had become "much more serious and frank," as President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected US demands for Tehran to dismantle its nuclear infrastructure.

The talks in Muscat, facilitated by Oman, mark the latest effort to salvage the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The United States unilaterally withdrew from the accord in 2018 under US President Donald Trump's first term, prompting Iran to reduce compliance with its nuclear commitments gradually, Xinhua news agency reported.

Araqchi, speaking to Iran's state-run IRIB TV after the fourth round of negotiations in Oman's capital, said the discussions had shifted from general topics to more specific proposals. He characterised the talks as "forward-moving" but acknowledged the growing complexity of the issues. Both sides agreed to continue the discussions.

The latest round, lasting about three hours, follows previous sessions in Muscat on April 12 and 26, and in Rome on April 19.

Meanwhile, President Pezeshkian firmly rejected US calls to dismantle Iran's nuclear infrastructure. "This is unacceptable. Iran will not relinquish its peaceful nuclear rights," he declared, reaffirming Tehran's stance that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes. He also referenced a religious decree from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei banning nuclear weapons development.

Ahead of the Muscat talks, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff reiterated demands for Iran to completely dismantle its nuclear program, including facilities at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have suggested that Iran should import enriched uranium.

Pezeshkian stressed that Iran's nuclear activities are essential for "peaceful" purposes, such as radiopharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, and industry. "We are serious in the negotiations and seek an agreement. We hold talks because we want peace," he said, emphasising Iran's commitment to regional peace and security.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
As an Indian watching this, I hope both sides find a peaceful resolution. Our country has good relations with Iran and we import a lot of oil from them. Any instability in the region affects our energy security. But Iran must also address legitimate concerns about nuclear proliferation. 🤞
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Priya M.
The US can't expect Iran to dismantle everything after they broke the deal first in 2018! Double standards much? India should maintain its independent foreign policy and not blindly follow either side. Our Chabahar port project with Iran is too important for regional connectivity.
A
Amit S.
Interesting that Oman is mediating - they've been a good neutral party. Reminds me of how India often plays mediator in global conflicts. Hope the talks succeed because another conflict in the Middle East would be disastrous for oil prices and our economy.
S
Sunita R.
Nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is every country's right - India knows this better than anyone after our own struggles with sanctions. But transparency is key. Iran should allow full IAEA inspections to build trust. The world can't afford more nuclear tensions.
V
Vikram J.
The US demands seem unrealistic - no sovereign nation would completely dismantle its nuclear infrastructure. A balanced approach is needed. India should use its good relations with both countries to encourage compromise. Our foreign policy experts could offer valuable insights here.
N
Neha P.
While I understand Iran's position, they need to realize that the world will always be suspicious after their past actions. The religious decree against nuclear weapons is a good step, but actions matter more than words. Hope diplomacy wins! 🙏

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