Tehran, Iran. Iran and the United States have differing views over the scope and mechanism for lifting sanctions on Tehran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme, a senior Iranian official said, adding that new talks were planned in early March.
Disagreement on sanctions relief and nuclear curbs
The official said Tehran could seriously consider a combination of exporting part of its highly enriched uranium stockpile, diluting the purity of its highly enriched uranium, and establishing a regional consortium for enriching uranium, but said Iran’s right to “peaceful nuclear enrichment” must be recognised in return.
“The negotiations continue and the possibility of reaching an interim agreement exists,” the official said.
Statements from Araghchi and Trump
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that he expected to have a draft counterproposal ready within days following nuclear talks with the United States this week.
US President Donald Trump said he was considering limited military strikes.
Oil and mineral resources
The official said Tehran will not hand over control of its oil and mineral resources, but said US companies can participate as contractors in Iran’s oil and gas fields.
What do you think the differing views on sanctions relief mean for the prospects of an interim agreement?
