Iran has announced it is ready to sign a nuclear agreement with America, but under clear and explicit terms. Senior adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Ali Shamkhani, said that Iran would sign an agreement straight away if US President Donald Trump removes all the economic sanctions.
The agreement would see Iran agree never to pursue nuclear weapons, scale back uranium enrichment to civilian purposes, and permit international oversight. But continued threats from Trump and meddling by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu might ruin the progress.
Clear Terms for Agreement
Ali Shamkhani, who consults Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on military, political, and nuclear issues, recently spoke with NBC News regarding the negotiations at hand. According to him, Iran would destroy its inventory of highly enriched uranium if the US lifts all sanctions. If weaponized, this uranium could be used to manufacture nuclear bombs.
He emphasized that Iran would only enrich uranium to lower levels intended for civilian use once sanctions are removed. Further, it would invite international inspectors to verify adherence to the accord.
When specifically asked if Iran would sign an accord immediately under those conditions, Shamkhani responded, “Yes.” He also emphasized that constructive action by the US could see better relations in the near future.
Rejects Trump’s Mixed Signals
Ali Shamkhani made those comments just hours after Trump offered an “olive branch” to Iran—while threatening tougher sanctions. Iran called out the hypocrisy. Shamkhani declared, “He speaks of the olive branch, which we have not observed. It’s all barbed wire.”
Doanld Trump demands Iran should never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. The International Atomic Energy Agency has just disclosed Iran has enriched uranium for a minimum of six nuclear weapons. It rejects any intention to construct weapons and insists its nuclear program is peaceful.
Israel’s Influence a Point of Contention
Ali Shamkhani expressed apprehension that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could seek to sabotage the talks through political means in Washington. He threatened, “If the Americans drop the Bibi factor, they can easily finalize the agreement.”
Seyed Emamian, a Tehran Polytechnic professor and co-founder of a think tank on policy, repeated that fear. He pointed out Trump has been attempting to distance himself from Netanyahu lately. According to Firstpost, Emamian said Trump invited Netanyahu to the White House to send a very clear message—decisions regarding Iran will be according to US policy, not in accordance with Israel’s wishes.
Talks Continue With Cautious Optimism
There have been negotiations between the US and Iran for weeks. Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff described the most recent meeting in Muscat as “encouraging.” Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the talks were “useful but difficult.”
Iran remains resolute, however. Araghchi has stated that the country would never abandon uranium enrichment, but could restrict its scope on a temporary basis in order to establish trust.
