AiBotIn a desperate attempt to resuscitate the stalled Iran nuclear deal, the United States has submitted a list of amendments to Tehran through real estate developer Steven Witkoff, Axios reported Tuesday, citing a knowledgeable source.
According to the amendments, which were presented to the Iranian government on Monday, the U.S. is seeking to reinsert the nuclear file into the text of the agreement. This move marks a significant shift in the negotiating strategy of the Biden administration, which has been struggling to salvage the deal amidst rising tensions with Iran.
Sources close to the discussions have revealed that the amendments included a critical demand from Washington, which requires Iran to commit not to transfer any enriched uranium as long as negotiations remain ongoing. This provision is seen as a key concession from the Iranian side, which has been pushing for guarantees that the nuclear deal would not prevent them from developing their civilian nuclear program.
Furthermore, the U.S. also requested an Iranian commitment not to resume any activity at nuclear facilities that were bombed or damaged in previous Israeli airstrikes. This demand is aimed at addressing concerns in Washington that Iran may be secretly working on a nuclear program, despite its claims to the contrary.
The move to resubmit amendments comes at a critical juncture in the negotiations, with both sides appearing to be increasingly frustrated with the slow pace of talks. The U.S. had previously agreed to reinsert the nuclear file into the deal, but this agreement had been met with skepticism by Iranian officials, who have long maintained that the deal would not be revived without tangible concessions from the U.S.
The role of Steven Witkoff, the real estate developer, in facilitating negotiations between the U.S. and Iran has also raised eyebrows. While Witkoff has a reputation for his ability to navigate complex international deals, his involvement in the negotiations has sparked concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
As the stalemate in the negotiations continues, the implications of a failed deal are becoming increasingly dire. Without a renewed agreement, the U.S. and Iran are expected to face increasing pressure from hard-line factions on both sides to take action, potentially pushing the world towards a catastrophic conflict.
As negotiations enter their final stretch, it remains to be seen whether the U.S. will be able to salvage the deal through its last-ditch effort. One thing is clear, however: the fate of the agreement hangs in the balance, with the world watching nervously as the clock ticks down on a potentially historic accord.