Pezeshkian: Iran is ready for nuclear verification and Washington negotiations
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced Tehran's full readiness to submit to all necessary international verification processes to prove the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. This statement comes at a sensitive time, as the region witnesses intense diplomatic activity and attempts to revive negotiations between Tehran and Western powers, particularly the United States.
Details of the Iranian position and the talks in Muscat
Pezeshkian's remarks reinforce the position put forward by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who recently indicated a seriousness on the part of the United States regarding holding genuine negotiations. Araqchi revealed a round of talks held in the Omani capital, Muscat, describing the atmosphere as "positive" and affirming the desire of both sides to resume dialogue soon. Despite this positive atmosphere, Araqchi stressed in a press conference that his country would not relinquish its right to uranium enrichment under any circumstances, even in the event of threats of war, considering the peaceful nuclear program a sovereign right of Iran.
Historical background: From the nuclear agreement to the escalation
To understand the depth of the current crisis, one must return to the historical context of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), from which Washington unilaterally withdrew in 2018. Since then, tensions have escalated to unprecedented levels. The United States reimposed crippling economic sanctions as part of its "maximum pressure" campaign, and Tehran responded by reducing its nuclear commitments and increasing uranium enrichment levels to levels that have alarmed the international community. Pezeshkian's recent statements are seen as an attempt to break the years-long stalemate and an indication of Tehran's willingness to alleviate its international isolation in exchange for tangible economic guarantees.
Regional and international dimensions and negotiation challenges
The issue extends beyond the nuclear file to encompass the balance of power in the Middle East. The United States, which has bolstered its military presence in the region and deployed naval vessels, seeks to broaden the scope of any future agreement to include two additional provisions that Tehran has thus far rejected: limiting Iran's ballistic missile program and halting support for armed groups in the region. Conversely, Iran considers its missile capabilities a red line and an integral part of its defensive deterrent doctrine, particularly given the tensions with Israel and neighboring countries.
Confidence-building measures and the internal situation
Domestically, the Iranian government faces immense economic pressure as a result of sanctions, coinciding with widespread popular protests. Observers believe that Iran's willingness to discuss "confidence-building measures," as Araqchi stated, reflects an urgent need to lift sanctions in order to improve living conditions. However, the dilemma remains in reconciling the comprehensive US demands with Iran's insistence on what it considers its sovereign rights, amidst international anticipation of the outcome of consultations with other major powers such as China and Russia.
