Reviving Iran Nuclear Deal Not Currently on Agenda, Says US State Department

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
28/08/2024 23h31

In a recent statement, the US State Department confirmed that reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal is not currently being considered. While Iran's new foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, called for "new negotiations" to update the agreement, the State Department spokesperson stated that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as the 2015 nuclear accord is formally known, "is not on the table right now."

Araqchi argued that the deal needs to be revised due to expired clauses and changing global circumstances, emphasizing that the agreement "cannot be revived in its current form." However, the US remains committed to preventing a nuclear-armed Iran and believes that diplomacy is the best path forward.

The situation surrounding the revival of the Iran nuclear deal is further complicated by other global events. The upcoming US presidential election and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza contribute to the complexity of the situation.

The United States unilaterally withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 under President Donald Trump. Since then, Iran has gradually scaled back its commitments and is currently enriching uranium at 60 percent. The reimposition of sanctions by the US has severely impacted Iran's economy and energy sectors.

While acknowledging the challenges of renegotiating the agreement, Araqchi called for new negotiations and highlighted that the format of talks since 2021 to revive the agreement can no longer be effective. This sentiment reflects the need for updated discussions to address the changing circumstances and concerns of both parties.

Although the November presidential election in the United States and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza have influenced the dynamics surrounding the Iran nuclear deal, Iran's new president, Masud Pezeshkian, has expressed a willingness to engage with Western nations. However, the ultimate decision-maker in Iran remains Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has supported conservative efforts to expand the country's nuclear program.

While diplomatic efforts continue, the US State Department remains focused on preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Diplomacy is viewed as the most viable means to achieve a sustainable and effective solution.

As of now, the revival of the Iran nuclear deal remains off the agenda for the Biden administration. However, the complexities of the situation and the evolving global landscape highlight the need for continued dialogue and diplomatic efforts to address the concerns of both Iran and the international community.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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