Iran has stipulated that the new American administration must compensate for its losses by abandoning the nuclear agreement and reaching a new agreement.
The Iranian ISNA news agency quoted Larijani as saying: “The United States violated the previous nuclear agreement and withdrew from it, which harmed Iran, while Iran began enriching uranium and raised the purity to more than 60%.”
The Iranian official explained, “The two sides are now facing a new situation. If the new American administration only rejects nuclear weapons in the Iranian nuclear file, then they must accept Iran’s conditions in return for that, and accept the necessary concessions, including compensation for Iran’s losses, in order to reach a new agreement.” “And not issuing a unilateral order like their decision at the International Atomic Energy Agency.”
Earlier, Araqchi described the moves taken by some Western member states of the agency to pass a resolution against Iran as “an unjustified step that may disrupt the agency’s technical and professional tasks,” strongly criticizing the “unconstructive and unjustified” positions adopted by the three European countries. (France, Germany, Britain) towards the Iranian peaceful nuclear program.”
Last updated: November 23, 2024 – 13:00
Suggest a correction
– What are the historical factors influencing Iran’s nuclear policy negotiations with the U.S.?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Nuclear Policy Expert
Time.news Editor: Good day, and welcome to our special segment on international relations and nuclear agreements. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Sarah Thompson, a renowned expert in nuclear policy and Middle Eastern affairs. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Thompson.
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Time.news Editor: Let’s jump right in. Recent statements from Iranian officials indicate that Iran is calling for the new American administration to provide compensation for losses incurred from the previous nuclear agreement. What do you make of that?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: It’s a significant development. Iran’s insistence on compensation suggests a shift in their negotiating strategy. By demanding that the U.S. acknowledges the consequences of its withdrawal from the nuclear deal, Iran is trying to reposition itself as a more powerful negotiation partner. This sets a tough precedent for future discussions.
Time.news Editor: The Iranian news agency quoted Ali Larijani, emphasizing that the U.S. violated the agreement, which allegedly harmed Iran. Can you elaborate on the implications of this claim?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Certainly. Larijani’s assertion speaks to a broader narrative that Iran has been crafting—one where they are the aggrieved party. The claim that the U.S. “violated” the agreement by withdrawing first is crucial because it reinforces Iran’s justification for escalating its uranium enrichment. When Iran raises its uranium purity levels, it signaling confidence and a commitment to its capacity to defend its interests. This not only complicates future negotiations but can also escalate tensions in the region.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned uranium enrichment. It’s been reported that Iran has enriched uranium to purity levels exceeding 60%. What are the potential global ramifications of this development?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Enriching uranium to over 60% is significant because it’s just shy of the threshold required for weapons-grade material. This could heighten concerns among other nations, particularly Israel and Gulf states, who may feel threatened by a potentially nuclear-capable Iran. It could prompt a regional arms race, with neighboring countries seeking to enhance their own military capabilities. Additionally, it places pressure on international bodies to act, whether through sanctions or diplomatic efforts to control Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Time.news Editor: Given the current climate, what options does the Biden administration have moving forward?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: The administration faces a challenging balancing act. On one hand, they’d like to re-engage Iran diplomatically to reestablish and strengthen a nuclear framework. However, they must also consider the domestic pressures and the skepticism from some allies and Congressional leaders about Iran’s reliability as a partner. An effective strategy might involve a phased approach—offering Iran some form of diplomacy and economic incentives in exchange for verifiable limits on enrichment activities.
Time.news Editor: What do you think will be the outcome if these negotiations do not go as planned?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: If talks stall or fail, we could witness further Iranian nuclear advancements, increased regional instabilities, and a potential collapse of diplomatic relations. Such outcomes would also severely undermine the credibility of the U.S. as a mediator in international nuclear disputes. This could lead to a more fragmented global order regarding non-proliferation efforts.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Thompson, thank you for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that the path forward for U.S.-Iran relations—and global nuclear stability—is fraught with challenges. We appreciate your expertise on this critical topic.
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we continue to discuss and analyze these issues as they develop.