Iran US nuclear talks: Iran Signals Willingness for Indirect Nuclear Talks

Iran US nuclear talks: Iran has announced its openness to indirect nuclear talks with the United States, marking a significant shift in the ongoing standoff over its nuclear program. This development comes after former US President Donald Trump demanded negotiations for a new nuclear deal, intensifying pressure on Tehran.

Iran Open to Indirect Talks but Rejects Direct Negotiations

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed on Monday that “the way is open for indirect negotiations,” but dismissed the possibility of direct talks. He emphasized that Iran will not engage directly with Washington as long as the US maintains its “maximum pressure” policy.

“We will not accept direct negotiations until there is a change in the other side’s approach towards the Islamic republic,” Araghchi stated during a press conference in Tehran. This stance reflects Iran’s enduring resistance to US-led pressure while keeping communication channels open through intermediaries.

The indirect nuclear talks with the United States could potentially revive diplomatic engagement that had been stalled since the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement.

Trump’s Maximum Pressure Policy and Its Impact on Iran

The friction between the two nations stems from Trump’s decision in 2018 to withdraw from the landmark Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Under the deal, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear enrichment in return for sanctions relief.

After pulling out of the JCPOA, the Trump administration reimposed harsh economic sanctions, targeting Iran’s oil exports, banking systems, and other key industries. This “maximum pressure” campaign was aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence.

Iran has consistently denied Western accusations that it is developing nuclear weapons, maintaining that its nuclear activities are solely for peaceful energy purposes.

Trump’s Letter to Iran and Tehran’s Response

In a surprising move, Trump sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on March 7, urging nuclear negotiations and warning of potential military action if Tehran refused. The letter was delivered to Iranian officials by UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash on March 12, according to Iran’s Fars News Agency.

Khamenei, however, dismissed the letter as a threat and warned that any hostile actions would be met with “reciprocal measures.” In a televised speech on Friday, Khamenei remarked, “US threats will get them nowhere. If they do anything malign, we will respond accordingly.”

Despite the tension, Araghchi indicated that the letter could “open up some opportunities” for dialogue. Tehran is expected to deliver its formal response soon.

US Envoy: Aim Is to Avoid Military Conflict

Steven Witkoff, the US special envoy for the Middle East, recently underscored that Trump’s goal is to prevent military confrontation and rebuild trust with Iran. “The letter is not a threat; it is an attempt to de-escalate tensions and open dialogue,” Witkoff said in an interview published on Friday.

Witkoff emphasized that while military options remain on the table, the administration is prioritizing diplomatic channels to address nuclear concerns. He also highlighted ongoing communication through Swiss intermediaries and the role of Gulf state Oman in facilitating indirect discussions.

The Role of Oman and the Muscat Process

Oman has historically played a critical mediating role in facilitating secret backchannel communications between the US and Iran. This process, known as the “Muscat process,” was pivotal in the negotiations leading to the 2015 nuclear deal.

However, according to Araghchi, these mediation efforts have been on hold. “The Muscat process is halted for the time being,” he said in October. Whether Oman will resume its role as a facilitator for the indirect nuclear talks with the United States remains unclear.

Potential Outcomes of Indirect Nuclear Talks

The prospect of indirect nuclear talks with the United States could have far-reaching implications for global security and Middle Eastern stability. If successful, the talks may lead to:

1. A New Nuclear Agreement: Reviving elements of the JCPOA or establishing a revised framework for Iran’s nuclear activities.
2. Sanctions Relief: Easing the economic pressure on Iran, potentially stabilizing its economy.
3. Regional De-escalation: Reducing the risk of military conflict in the Persian Gulf and neighboring areas.

Conversely, a failure to reach an understanding could escalate tensions and increase the likelihood of military confrontations.

International Reactions and Next Steps

The international community is closely watching the developments surrounding indirect nuclear talks with the United States. European powers, including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, have expressed cautious optimism while urging both sides to engage in good faith.

China and Russia, both signatories to the 2015 deal, have also advocated for diplomatic resolutions and opposed unilateral US sanctions on Iran. The United Nations has called for restraint and a return to the negotiating table.

Meanwhile, Iranian officials maintain that any new agreement must guarantee long-term US compliance and provide clear mechanisms to prevent future unilateral withdrawals.