Pezeshkian: Iran is ready to verify the peaceful nature of its nuclear program

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced his country's full readiness to cooperate with international bodies to dispel doubts about the nature of its nuclear program, emphasizing that Tehran is prepared for "all verification processes" that prove the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities. This statement comes at a sensitive time, as the region witnesses intense diplomatic activity aimed at de-escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Muscat talks and the path to building trust

The Iranian president's remarks coincided with the revelation of a round of indirect negotiations held in the Omani capital, Muscat, between Iranian and American officials. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi described the talks as "positive," noting a shared desire to resume serious dialogue. Araqchi explained that Tehran is open to discussing "confidence-building measures," provided that this is met with concrete steps from the West, primarily the lifting of crippling economic sanctions.

Historical background: From the 2015 agreement to the US withdrawal

To understand the depth of the current crisis, it is necessary to return to the historical context of the nuclear agreement (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) signed in 2015, under which Iran committed to reducing its nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. However, the unilateral withdrawal of the United States from the agreement in 2018 by former President Donald Trump, and the reimposition of the "maximum pressure" policy, prompted Tehran to gradually disregard its commitments, leading to an increase in uranium enrichment levels to levels that alarmed the international community and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Red lines and mutual demands

Despite Pezeshkian's flexibility, significant obstacles remain to reaching a comprehensive agreement. While Tehran insists on its sovereign right to uranium enrichment and refuses to link its nuclear program to its missile program or regional influence, Washington and its European allies seek to broaden the scope of the agreement to include guarantees that would limit Iran's missile capabilities and halt its support for armed groups in the region. Iranian officials have repeatedly asserted that enrichment will continue "even if war is imposed," presenting negotiators with a difficult dilemma: balancing nuclear rights with security concerns.

Expected regional and international impacts

Any progress in this negotiating track would have significant implications for the stability of the Middle East, a region currently experiencing unprecedented tension. The success of the verification efforts and a return to the agreement could help de-escalate conflicts and reduce regional polarization. Domestically, lifting sanctions is a top priority for the Pezeshkian government in order to improve the living conditions of Iranians, particularly in light of the economic challenges and protests the country has witnessed in recent times.