Iran’s Foreign Minister to Engage in Indirect Talks with U.S. Envoy Over Nuclear Program
Iran’s foreign minister has announced that he will engage in indirect discussions with a U.S. envoy in an effort to address and possibly resolve long-standing tensions surrounding Tehran’s nuclear program. This development signals a potential diplomatic opening between the two nations, despite their continued public rhetoric and lack of formal relations.
Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iran’s top diplomat, revealed that the talks will not be direct but will occur through mediators, likely involving European intermediaries. The primary objective is to reduce friction and potentially revive the stalled negotiations over Iran’s nuclear activities—an issue that has been central to international security concerns for over two decades.
Amir-Abdollahian made the announcement during a press briefing, stating, “We have always favored diplomacy and dialogue. Indirect communication with the U.S. envoy is part of our ongoing efforts to seek a peaceful resolution that respects Iran’s rights and international commitments.”
The U.S. has not commented officially on the matter, but the Biden administration has repeatedly expressed interest in returning to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), from which former President Donald Trump withdrew in 2018. Since then, Iran has progressively scaled back its commitments under the agreement, enriching uranium to levels closer to weapons-grade, raising alarm in Washington and among European allies.
The talks come amid renewed international pressure and fresh concerns over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, especially in the context of regional instability and increased tensions in the Middle East. While the Iranian government maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, Western powers remain skeptical.
This new phase of indirect communication could represent a critical opportunity to prevent further escalation and restore diplomatic channels that have largely been inactive since the U.S. exit from the JCPOA. Analysts suggest that although direct dialogue remains unlikely in the immediate future, backchannel diplomacy could lay the groundwork for more substantive negotiations.
Furthermore, with the U.S. presidential election approaching, both sides may feel incentivized to de-escalate tensions and demonstrate diplomatic progress. The international community will closely monitor these talks, hoping for a breakthrough that could reestablish a framework for nuclear non-proliferation and regional stability.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the intermediaries facilitating the communication, as well as on signals from both Tehran and Washington that could indicate a shift in posture or willingness to compromise.
Source : Swifteradio.com
