Iran to Resume Nuclear Talks with IAEA Amid Sanctions Threat
Iran to Resume Nuclear Talks with IAEA Amid Sanctions Threat
Iran has confirmed it will continue discussions with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), with a new round of negotiations expected to take place in the coming days.
This decision comes amid a period of heightened tension and international pressure. Iran had suspended formal cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog following a conflict in June with Israel and the US, which resulted in strikes that damaged some of Iran's nuclear sites. The first IAEA visit since the conflict, earlier in August, did not include inspections of nuclear facilities, highlighting the breakdown in cooperation.
The move to resume talks also coincides with a critical deadline set by Britain, France, and Germany (the E3). These three European nations have threatened to re-impose UN sanctions on Iran through a "snapback mechanism" if Tehran does not return to full cooperation with the IAEA and address its nuclear program concerns by August 31st.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, stated that Tehran is prepared to provide assurances about the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, but only if sanctions are lifted. He also criticized the E3 nations, asserting that they do not have the right to use the snapback mechanism.
While the recent strikes may have temporarily hindered Iran's industrial-scale enrichment capacity, experts believe the country retains a smaller-scale nuclear weapons capability and the ability to quickly enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels. The IAEA's ability to monitor Iran's program has been significantly hampered due to Tehran's ongoing restrictions on access and surveillance equipment.
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