US-Iran Nuclear Negotiations Intensify Amid Tensions
Iran is expected to present a draft for a new nuclear agreement to the U.S. within days, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchhi. This announcement comes amidst rising tensions between the two nations, with U.S. President Donald Trump setting a ten-day deadline for Tehran to reach an agreement or face potential military action. However, Iran has warned that a possible attack would be met with a broad and unlimited response.
Background and Context
The ongoing nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S. have been mediated by Oman and held in Geneva. The focus of these talks has been Iran's nuclear program and U.S. sanctions. Aragchhi stated that the two sides had agreed on a set of guiding principles for the negotiation. However, an Iranian defense source has made it clear that Iran will not give in to U.S. blackmail over its nuclear program.
Key Developments
The U.S. is prepared to hold talks with Iran on February 27, given Tehran responds to proposals. Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy, and businessman Jared Kushner plan to be in Geneva for these talks. Iran, meanwhile, has expressed optimism about the negotiations, with Araghchi confirming that negotiators are working on the elements of an agreement and a draft of the text.
A new round of talks between Iran and the U.S. is likely set for Thursday, according to Araghchi. Trump has given Iran a 10 to 15-day ultimatum to reach a deal or face the consequences, which could include military action. Meanwhile, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has demanded that any deal must strip Iran of the ability to enrich uranium.
Reactions and Implications
The negotiations have drawn mixed reactions. On one hand, Iran's president has stated that the country is receiving encouraging signals from the U.S. On the other hand, a prominent Iranian opposition figure claims that Iran is preparing for war, despite engaging in talks with the Trump administration.
This potential deal would be a significant milestone since the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was signed in 2015. This agreement, signed by Iran, China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK, and the U.S., resolved a crisis that had begun in 2002 amid Western accusations that Tehran was seeking nuclear weapons.
Current Status
As the deadline set by Trump nears, tensions continue to rise. Iran has fired live missiles into the Strait of Hormuz, signaling its preparedness to close the strategic waterway if ordered by senior leadership. Meanwhile, the U.S. has renewed its threat of military action as Iran and Russia announce joint naval exercises in the Sea of Oman.
In summary, the situation remains tense with high-stakes negotiations underway. The world watches closely as Iran and the U.S. navigate these critical diplomatic waters, with the potential outcomes having significant implications for the regional and global political landscape.