Iran-US Talks to Take Place This Week with Proposed Mediation Framework

US and Iran Present Framework for Talks on Nuclear Programme

A framework of key principles has been presented by mediators from Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt to Iran and the United States, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. The proposed framework includes requirements for Iran to halt uranium enrichment for three years and transfer its stock to a third country.

The framework also includes restrictions on the use of ballistic missiles and the arming of Iran’s allies in the region. Iranian officials have confirmed that talks between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will take place in Oman, contrary to earlier plans to hold them in Turkey.

Under the proposed framework, Iran would commit to zero enrichment of uranium for three years, followed by a limit of 1.5 percent enrichment. Its current stock of highly enriched uranium would be transferred to a third country. The framework also proposes that Iran agree not to transfer weapons and technologies to its regional, non-state allies.

A “nonaggression agreement” between Tehran and Washington is also being proposed by the three mediators. However, it is unclear how both sides have responded to the proposed framework. The US has stated that any deal must include regulations on Iran’s nuclear programme, missiles, and proxies.

Iran has previously agreed to limit its nuclear development in exchange for sanctions relief under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). However, the country has refused to discuss limiting its support for non-state allies in the region and curtailing its ballistic missiles. The US is entering negotiations with significant leverage as Iran faces an unprecedented mix of external and internal pressures.

The mediators’ framework was presented to the US and Iran just before Witkoff met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his spy chiefs during a visit to Israel on Tuesday. A US aircraft carrier, fighter jets, and navy destroyers are now positioned in the Arabian Sea, presenting Tehran with a credible military threat.

Source: Al Jazeera