US and Iran Show Flexibility in Nuclear Deal Talks, Turkey’s Fidan Says
Washington and Tehran are demonstrating a willingness to compromise in efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear agreement, though expanding the scope of negotiations beyond the nuclear file could jeopardize progress, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has warned. The development comes as diplomatic efforts intensify, with recent talks facilitated by Oman and other regional actors.
Signs of Compromise on Enrichment
According to Fidan, the United States appears “willing to tolerate Iranian enrichment within clearly set boundaries.” As reported by the Financial Times, this marks a potential shift in Washington’s position, which previously demanded Iran completely halt uranium enrichment. Iran, however, maintains that enrichment is its sovereign right.
Fidan also indicated that Iranian officials “now recognize that they need to reach a deal with the Americans and the Americans understand that the Iranians have certain limits. It’s pointless to try to force them.” He believes Tehran “genuinely wants to reach a real agreement” and would likely accept restrictions on enrichment levels and a strict inspection regime, similar to the terms of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Expanding the Scope of Negotiations: A Risky Path
Despite the positive signs, Fidan cautioned against broadening the negotiations to include Iran’s ballistic missile program and its support for regional armed groups. “If the US insists on addressing all the issues simultaneously,” he told the Financial Times, “I’m afraid even the nuclear file will not move forward… the result could be another war in the region.”
This concern is echoed by the United States, with President Donald Trump reiterating the need for any durable deal to address these issues. As Reuters reported, Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and both leaders agreed that the scope of any agreement is a critical issue. Iranian officials, however, continue to insist that negotiations should focus solely on the nuclear dossier.
Nuclear Stockpile Concerns
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has raised concerns about Iran’s current nuclear stockpile. IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi stated that inspectors have been denied access to three key enrichment sites and that Iran possesses approximately 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to just above 60 percent purity – enough to potentially manufacture a dozen nuclear devices. The Jerusalem Post highlights the proliferation risks associated with this stockpile.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated Iran is willing to open its nuclear sites to verification to prove it is not seeking nuclear weapons.
Recent Diplomatic Efforts
Renewed diplomacy includes indirect talks held in Muscat, Oman, between US and Iranian envoys, facilitated by Turkey, Qatar, and Oman. Both sides have described these discussions as a positive first step, though significant obstacles remain.
Looking Ahead
The path forward remains uncertain. While there are indications of flexibility from both the US and Iran, the critical question of the negotiation’s scope – whether to focus solely on the nuclear issue or address broader regional security concerns – will likely determine whether a deal can be reached. Fidan’s warning underscores the delicate balance between pursuing a comprehensive agreement and avoiding a further escalation of tensions in the Middle East.