MUSCAT, Oman — The United States and Iran have opened up talks regarding Iran’s uranium enrichment program for round four of their nuclear negotiations in Oman. Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi will act as mediator, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi leading Iran’s delegation and U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff leading theirs; JNS.org/Reuters/5 and Politico/8 providing coverage. With only 4 months to go before an Iran election takes place this December 19/20 rounds, JNS.org/6 and Wikipedia both reporting at +5/8 and JNS/Reuters 5 and Politco9/AP News/18 and Wikipedia reporting at +9. U.S. delegate demands an end to Iran’s uranium enrichment activities and dismantle of all nuclear facilities, due to fears about potential weaponization. Witkoff reiterated the necessity of Iran dismantling their enrichment infrastructure at Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan facilities in particular. Iran insists its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful uses and reiterated that enriching uranium enrichment rights were non-negotiable, with Araghchi declaring Iran will never give up these rights or reduce uranium enrichment quotas. Journos were informed by Yahoo News UK at +3 that enrichment rights will not be surrendered under any circumstance, with enrichment remaining non-negotiable with Iran’s non-committal attitude and araghchi declaring they will not relinquish their rights and that enrichment was non-negotiable with Iran’s non-committal approach towards Iran’s neighbor. Journos +9 on Journey Nothnshnlj Negotiationss between Iran and the U.S. remain complicated by Iran’s insistence on lifting U.S. sanctions and guarantees against future U.S. withdrawal from any agreement reached between them. Furthermore, Tehran views its ballistic missile program as unrelated to nuclear negotiations. These talks take place amid elevated tensions, as the U.S. has recently pulled out of a 2015 nuclear agreement and reinstated sanctions on Iran, prompting Tehran to increase nuclear activities such as increasing its uranium enrichment levels. Al Jazeera +3 and Reuters. As negotiations continue, both sides are feeling increasing pressure to find an agreement. President Donald Trump has set May 12th as his deadline for substantial progress on negotiations; failing which he may threaten military action if talks do not advance sufficiently. AP News The outcome of these talks remains indeterminate, with both nations maintaining their positions steadfastly. Meanwhile, the international community awaits with great hope a diplomatic solution that prevents further escalation of tension.
