Iran Dismisses US Nuclear Proposal, Citing Sanctions Omission

Iran’s parliament speaker announced on Sunday that the latest American overture for a nuclear accord falls short, specifically by failing to include the lifting of sanctions. This statement, delivered via state media, suggests that the ongoing negotiations have encountered a significant impasse. The two nations have engaged in five rounds of talks facilitated by Oman since April, aiming to revive a previous agreement that curtailed Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. That landmark deal was abandoned by the former US President in 2018.
The speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, conveyed in a televised address that “the US plan does not even mention the lifting of sanctions,” characterizing this as a mark of dishonesty. He further accused the US of attempting to impose a “unilateral” agreement, which Tehran has no intention of accepting. Ghalibaf urged the American president to re-evaluate his strategy if a genuine resolution is desired.
Following the fifth round of discussions on May 31, Iran acknowledged receiving “elements” of a US proposal, but officials subsequently expressed concerns over “ambiguities” within the draft. The US and its Western allies have consistently raised suspicions about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, alleging a pursuit of weapons. Iran, however, steadfastly maintains its program is solely for peaceful purposes.
Key points of contention in the negotiations include the removal of substantial economic sanctions and the issue of uranium enrichment. Tehran asserts its right to enrich uranium under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, while the former US administration considered any Iranian enrichment a “red line.” The current US administration, having reinstated a “maximum pressure” campaign, has reiterated that no uranium enrichment will be permitted under a potential deal. Iran’s top negotiator recently affirmed the nation’s resolve to continue enriching uranium without external approval. The global nuclear watchdog reports Iran as the only non-nuclear-weapon state enriching uranium up to 60%, still below the 90% needed for a warhead. Iran’s supreme leader has also rejected the latest US proposal, emphasizing enrichment as pivotal to their program.