Iran has once again made its stance clear on the ongoing nuclear deal negotiations with the United States. On Monday, the Iranian government demanded assurances from Washington that the crippling U.S. sanctions would be lifted as part of any agreement.
This demand comes after reports surfaced that the White House had submitted a proposal to Iran, outlining the terms of a potential deal. While the details of the proposal have not been made public, it is believed that the U.S. is seeking to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Iran’s demand for sanctions relief is not surprising, as the country has been facing severe economic hardships due to the sanctions imposed by the U.S. in 2018. These sanctions have targeted Iran’s oil and banking sectors, causing a significant decline in the country’s economy and currency.
In a statement, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh said, “We have made it clear to the U.S. that any return to the JCPOA must include the lifting of all sanctions imposed by the previous administration.” He also added that Iran would not accept any “step-by-step” approach to lifting sanctions, insisting on a complete removal of all sanctions at once.
The U.S. and Iran have been engaged in indirect talks in Vienna since April, with the aim of reviving the JCPOA. The deal, which was signed by Iran, the U.S., and other world powers, aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. However, in 2018, former U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal and reimposed sanctions on Iran, citing concerns over the country’s nuclear activities and its support for militant groups in the region.
Since then, Iran has gradually increased its uranium enrichment levels, in violation of the JCPOA. However, the country has maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.
The recent demand for sanctions relief from Iran is a clear indication that the country is not willing to make any concessions without the lifting of sanctions. This demand also highlights the importance of sanctions relief for Iran, as it is a crucial factor in reviving the JCPOA.
The U.S. has yet to respond to Iran’s demand, but it is expected that the issue will be addressed in the next round of talks in Vienna. The U.S. has previously stated that it is willing to lift sanctions that are inconsistent with the JCPOA, but it has not specified which sanctions fall under this category.
The demand for sanctions relief from Iran is a positive development in the ongoing negotiations. It shows that Iran is committed to finding a solution and is willing to engage in constructive dialogue with the U.S. to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
The lifting of sanctions would not only benefit Iran’s economy but also pave the way for improved relations between the two countries. It would also be a significant step towards regional stability and security.
The international community has also been closely following the negotiations, with many expressing their support for a swift resolution. The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, recently stated that the EU is “ready to intensify efforts” to revive the JCPOA and that the lifting of sanctions is a crucial element in the process.
In conclusion, Iran’s demand for sanctions relief is a positive step towards reaching a comprehensive nuclear deal. It is a clear indication of the country’s commitment to finding a solution and its willingness to engage in constructive dialogue. The U.S. must consider this demand seriously and work towards finding a mutually beneficial solution that will benefit both countries and the international community as a whole.
