Before the Strike Round: Progress Reported in Iran-US Negotiations

The New York Times reported overnight, Wednesday, details of the emerging agreement between the United States and Iran, saying there had been progress in negotiations over the nuclear issue between the two countries. The progress was recorded even before the round of strikes that took place overnight after President Donald Trump accused Iran of shooting down the American helicopter, which led to American strikes and an Iranian response.

Officials and diplomats told the paper that the sides are discussing four issues related to Iran’s nuclear program. The first is a suspension of the uranium enrichment program, with the Trump administration demanding a suspension of at least 20 years, while the Iranians are offering 10 years. American officials believe a 15-year compromise will be agreed upon. Regarding the dismantling of nuclear sites, the Americans have demanded that the Islamic Republic dismantle the three main nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan. Iran, for its part, is discussing the possibility of dismantling two of the sites, but insists that one of them remain active to show that it has not given up its right to enrich.

The paper notes that on the issue of diluting enriched uranium, the United States will act through the International Atomic Energy Agency, the IAEA, to dilute the enriched uranium held by Iran. American officials familiar with the talks said that Washington wants to take an active part in handling the nuclear material, but Iranian officials made clear that the Americans would play only an observer role. In addition, the Trump administration is demanding that international inspectors be allowed to conduct surprise inspections at any time and in any place in Iran. It is unclear whether the Iranian government will agree to this, especially since many of the sites suspected of being nuclear sites are inside bases of the Revolutionary Guards, which have mostly refused to allow inspectors in.

The New York Times stressed that even if an agreement is reached, it will be implemented only on the condition that it is not blocked by the Revolutionary Guards or other extremist politicians in Iran. Vice President JD Vance confirmed that there is a possibility of a nuclear agreement with Iran, and said it could happen as soon as next week. In an interview with CBS, a clip of which aired overnight, Vance said the agreement would benefit the United States economically and ensure for many years that Iran would not have nuclear weapons.