Iran is demanding a number of conditions from the US in exchange for limiting its nuclear program. This was reported by sources from The Wall Street Journal. The negotiations were held indirectly in Oman on April 12.
What conditions has Iran set?
The main demands set by Iran in these negotiations are:
- The US must ease sanctions that cover Iran's nuclear energy;
- It must unfreeze billions of dollars in frozen assets abroad;
- Pressure on Chinese companies buying Iranian oil must be lifted.
What will Iran give?
In exchange for such "concessions," Iran has:
Indicated its readiness to return to the uranium enrichment level set in the 2015 nuclear agreement.
It is known that Donald Trump canceled this agreement during his presidency.
Washington is skeptical
According to The Wall Street Journal:
- It will be difficult for the US to agree to ease sanctions unless Iran takes on additional commitments.
- The Trump administration is against Tehran retaining the right to enrich uranium.
Did the US set maximum demands?
The report states that this time Washington did not come forward with maximalist demands. The Trump administration focused primarily on:
“Ensuring that Iran does not use the existing material in its possession for weapon purposes.”
Both sides are hopeful about the negotiations
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi assessed the dialogue as:
“Constructive and conducted with mutual respect.”
“I believe we are close to creating a basis for negotiations. If we can formalize this next week, real negotiations will begin,” he said.
The White House also described the negotiations as “positive and constructive.” Nevertheless:
“Nothing is important until there is a result,” said Donald Trump.
