Nuclear Talks: US and Iran Clash at the UN

The United States and Iran recently engaged in a tense exchange at the United Nations Security Council, focusing on the resumption of talks regarding Iran's nuclear program.

US Stance

• Readiness to Talk: The US expressed willingness to engage in direct talks with Iran, but only if Iran is prepared for serious discussions.
• Conditions: The US emphasized that Iran should not enrich uranium on its own soil, citing concerns that enriched uranium could be used to develop nuclear weapons.

Iran's Response

• Disagreement with US Conditions: Iran's ambassador to the UN criticized the US for insisting on a policy that bans uranium enrichment.
• Right to Enrich Uranium: Iran argued that as a member of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, it has the right to enrich uranium.
• Rejection of Pressure: Iran stated that it will not yield to pressure or threats from the US.

Previous Talks and Issues

• Five Rounds of Talks: The US and Iran have had five rounds of discussions, but progress has been limited.
• Main Issue: The primary point of contention remains uranium enrichment, with the US and its allies demanding Iran halt enrichment, while Iran refuses to comply.

Recent Developments

• Reinstated Sanctions: The UN recently reinstated an arms embargo and other sanctions on Iran, following accusations from European powers that Iran violated a 2015 deal aimed at preventing nuclear weapons development.
• UN Security Council Resolution: The 2015 deal is part of a UN Security Council resolution, and the council has been meeting twice a year to discuss its implementation.

Diverging Views Among Countries

• Opposition to Sanctions: Russia and China disputed the reinstatement of sanctions and objected to the recent UN Security Council meeting, although the meeting proceeded as planned.