The United States and Iran have begun indirect talks in Vienna aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). This marks a significant diplomatic effort to bring both nations back into compliance after the U.S. withdrawal from the agreement in 2018 under former President Donald Trump, who criticized the deal as “one-sided and defective at its core.”
Since the U.S. exit, Iran has increased its nuclear enrichment activities, insisting that it will not meet directly with U.S. officials until economic sanctions are lifted. The talks in Vienna involve diplomats from China, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Russia, with European Union officials acting as intermediaries between the U.S. and Iran.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price tempered expectations, stating, “These are early days. We don’t anticipate an early or immediate breakthrough, as these discussions will be difficult.” Despite the lack of direct engagement, the talks represent a shift in Washington’s approach under President Joe Biden, who played a key role in the original agreement while serving as Vice President.
Iranian officials have emphasized that their primary goal is the removal of all U.S. sanctions. An Iranian official told Reuters, “Our agenda during the meeting in Vienna will be the removal of all U.S. sanctions against Iran… anything less than that will not be accepted by Tehran.” For the U.S., the focus remains on the steps Iran must take to return to compliance with the agreement.
China Calls for Lifting of Sanctions
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Zhao Lijian urged the United States to lift sanctions and rejoin the agreement unconditionally. “The unilateral withdrawal of the United States from the comprehensive agreement undermines the consensus reached by all parties and is the root of the current Iranian nuclear crisis,” Zhao stated.
“We hope that all concerned parties can distinguish between right and wrong. We urge the U.S. to take practical measures on lifting sanctions and fully comply with the deal as soon as possible. China has always played a constructive role on the Iranian nuclear issue and will continue to work to push the agreement back on track while firmly safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests,” he added.
The involvement of nations like China, which recently signed a long-term investment deal with Iran and remains one of its most significant trading partners, underscores the international stakes of the negotiations. The so-called P5+1 countries (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, plus Germany) have a crucial role in facilitating dialogue and ensuring compliance.
The path forward is complex, with both Tehran and Washington expecting concessions from the other side. As the talks progress, the international community watches closely, hopeful that diplomatic efforts will lead to a resolution and a safer global landscape.
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Iran and the U.S. taking part in nuclear deal talks in Vienna
cgtn.com
