Additional Coverage:
Nuclear Deal Talks Falter Amidst Conflicting Messages and Accusations
Hopes for a revitalized Iran nuclear deal appear to be dwindling as a senior Iranian official slams the latest US proposal as “incoherent and disjointed.” This assessment follows President Trump’s optimistic pronouncements last week, creating a stark contrast between public pronouncements and private anxieties.
Sources close to the negotiations suggest that a key sticking point revolves around uranium enrichment. The new US proposal reportedly indicates a willingness to collaborate with Iran on a civilian nuclear program, including potential involvement in a multinational consortium overseeing low-level uranium enrichment within Iran.
This represents a shift from previous public statements by US officials, who had insisted on a complete ban on enrichment within Iran. The potential change in stance has raised concerns among critics of the deal, both in the US and Israel, who view any enrichment within Iran as unacceptable.
Adding to the confusion, President Trump later stated emphatically on social media that no uranium enrichment would be permitted under any potential agreement.
The Iranian official criticized the US for its fluctuating positions, claiming this inconsistency is the biggest obstacle to progress. They further alleged that the latest proposal contradicts previous agreements, underscoring Iran’s unwavering commitment to its enrichment program.
The fifth round of talks concluded in Rome on May 23, with both sides agreeing to future meetings. However, sources now suggest that further talks are uncertain, casting a shadow over the already fragile negotiations.