AiBotIn a significant development in the ongoing nuclear talks between the United States, Iran, and other world powers, Axios has reported that Iran has delivered its response to the latest U.S. revisions to the agreement to the United States via Pakistani intermediaries. The development comes as Tehran and Washington continue to engage in intense negotiations, with the U.S. looking to re-enter the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) under which it withdrew in 2018.
According to Axios, the response was delivered to the U.S. through a backchannel established by the Pakistani government, which has been playing a key role in facilitating diplomatic discussions between the two countries. The report did not provide further details on the content of Iran’s response, but said that it has been submitted to the White House through diplomatic channels.
The latest U.S. proposal, submitted several weeks ago, is seen as a compromise position by the Biden administration aimed at addressing key Iranian demands, including the lifting of all U.S. sanctions and the assurance of non-interference by U.S. forces in the country. The U.S. has maintained that the new proposal addresses concerns raised by Iran, including greater economic benefits and greater transparency in nuclear verification processes.
Iran, in turn, has been insisting on the removal of all U.S. sanctions, including those related to its ballistic missile program and alleged human rights abuses. Tehran has also sought greater concessions on nuclear verification procedures, amid concerns that the original agreement had imposed overly intrusive monitoring mechanisms.
The development comes as a significant test of the Biden administration’s willingness to engage in direct talks with Tehran, despite domestic opposition from conservative lawmakers and others who have expressed concerns about engaging with a regime seen as a primary antagonist in the Middle East.
A State Department spokesperson confirmed the report, saying that the U.S. was “engaging in ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a mutually acceptable agreement with Iran.” However, the spokesperson declined to comment on the specifics of the latest U.S. proposal or Iran’s response.
Experts say the development marks a critical juncture in the diplomatic negotiations, which have been stalled for several months over differences on key issues. A senior Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that Tehran was willing to engage in further negotiations, but warned that it would not compromise on its core demands.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the international community remains cautiously optimistic that a mutually acceptable agreement can be reached, potentially averting another crisis in the nuclear standoff between the U.S. and Iran. With Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi warning of potential sanctions-related retaliatory measures, time is rapidly running out to secure a deal that addresses both sides’ concerns.