Iran refuses nuclear talks with US... "An attempt to increase bargaining power"

(Source: WSJ)

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 28th (local time) that tensions are escalating as Iran rejected a proposal to negotiate with the United States to restore the nuclear deal (JCPOA - Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action).

However, this response from Iran has also been interpreted as an attempt to strengthen its negotiating position in future talks.

Saed Hatibzadeh, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on the same day, "Considering the recent words and actions of the United States and the three European countries that signed the nuclear deal?Britain, France, and Germany?I do not think it is the right time to hold informal talks with these countries."

The newspaper cited two Western diplomats saying, "Iran is currently refusing talks," and "Iran wants the United States to guarantee lifting some sanctions after the talks."

It added, "However, the United States refused, saying it cannot lift sanctions without direct talks with Iran," interpreting Iran's refusal as an attempt to gain leverage in future negotiations.

The newspaper expressed hope that direct talks could be arranged before the Iranian New Year (March 21).

Earlier, on the 21st of last month, Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister, stated in an interview with Iranian state TV, "Josep Borrell, the European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, proposed informal talks including the United States and Iran," adding, "We are consulting with our partners, including Russia and China, and will respond to this proposal later."

He emphasized, "There is no need for a separate meeting for the United States to return to the nuclear deal," and "They just need to lift sanctions against Iran."

Regarding Iran's refusal of informal talks, the White House expressed disappointment on the 28th, stating, "The United States remains willing to engage in meaningful diplomacy for both countries to return to compliance with the nuclear deal."

The Trump administration unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear deal in May 2018 and reinstated sanctions against Iran. In response, Iran gradually ceased to comply with the nuclear program freeze and reduction provisions promised in the deal starting in May 2019, one year later.

The Biden administration has expressed its intention to return to the nuclear deal, but since Iran must first comply with the deal before sanctions can be lifted, the U.S. and Iran remain at an impasse, with Iran demanding sanctions be lifted first.