The United States and Iran are resuming talks on the Iranian nuclear program amid heightened diplomatic tensions ahead of Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East this week.
UNN reports with reference to La Repubblica and AFP.
Details
New talks between Iran and the United States on Tehran's nuclear program have begun in Oman.
Earlier, it was confirmed that US Special Representative Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will participate in the fourth round of negotiations this Sunday in the Omani capital Muscat. The Gulf state of Oman is mediating between the two countries.
Controversies surrounding Iran's nuclear program
At the heart of the controversy surrounding Iran's nuclear program lies the question of its use: while Tehran emphasizes that it is pursuing purely civilian goals, governments in the West fear the creation of a nuclear bomb. Iranian politicians and officers have recently fueled the debate with calls for the use of nuclear weapons as a military deterrent.
Continuation of previous meetings with maximum demands
These talks are a continuation of previous meetings that began almost a month ago. Iran and the United States, which have not had diplomatic relations since 1980, have held three rounds of talks since April 12, mediated by Oman.
The goal of talks between the US and Iran is to conclude a new agreement aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons in exchange for lifting sanctions that are destroying its economy.
Iran calls for easing sanctions, but the US has declared "red lines"
The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated Iran's right to enrich uranium.
The delegation will make every effort to protect the interests of the Iranian nation and preserve our valuable achievements in the field of peaceful nuclear energy, while working to lift sanctions
The US opposes Iran's right to enrich uranium - Trump's special envoy called it a "red line."
Steve Witkoff warned on Friday that the Trump administration would oppose any enrichment. But will first offer "flexibility on this issue."
This means dismantling, banning the production of weapons, and the need to eliminate three uranium enrichment facilities in Natanz, Fordo and Isfahan
A senior Iranian official close to the negotiating team said that US demands for "zero enrichment and dismantling of Iranian nuclear facilities will not contribute to the progress of negotiations."
What the United States says publicly is different from what is said in negotiations
Iran has categorically ruled out negotiations on its ballistic missile program, and the ayatollahs are demanding uncompromising guarantees that Trump will not abandon the nuclear deal again.
Recall
Earlier, UNN reported that Iran expects Oman to announce the date of a new round of nuclear talks with the United States, after the cancellation of the meeting in Rome.