Iran Nuclear Negotiations Paused Amid Russia’s Demands

Talks in Vienna between Western powers and Iran regarding the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal were officially paused without a specific date for their resumption.

Key details

A pause in Vienna talks is needed due to external factors, said European Union Foreign Policy Chief Joesph Borell on Twitter Friday.

A pause in #ViennaTalks is needed, due to external factors.

A final text is essentially ready and on the table.

As coordinator, I will, with my team, continue to be in touch with all #JCPOA participants and the U.S. to overcome the current situation and to close the agreement.

— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) March 11, 2022

The development follows increasing tension between the Kremlin and White House. The Kremlin wants the US to guarantee that Russia’s planned partnership with Iran will not be affected by sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine.

The US, Europe, and allies must determine their response if Iran continues with a nuclear program that has already enriched uranium to just below the level needed for atomic weapons.

Last week, international inspectors said that Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched to reach 60% purity increased over the fourth fifth in the past three months, Bloomberg reported.

Oil extended gains after the suspension of the negotiations, as traders ignored cautious projections that the US would lift sanctions on Iran’s economy and alleviate the embargo on the OPEC member’s oil exports.

Crucial quotes

“It’s better to pause and I will be working obviously with all delegations to overcome this situation, the sooner the better, and come back and end our negotiations successfully,” Bloomberg quoted Enrique Mora, the European Union envoy charged with coordinating the talks, as saying.

The pause isn’t necessarily the end of the road, and could provide momentum to resolve the outstanding issues, said Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh, Bloomberg reported.

Key background

The 2015 nuclear deal was resolved after former US President Donald Trump reimposed sanctions four years ago. Iran responded by increasing its uranium enrichment over the deal’s limits. The standoff caused conflicts in the Middle East and a string of attacks on important global trade waterways. The 2015 deal capped uranium enrichment at 3.67% fissile purity. Iran is now enriching to up to 60%, almost close to weapons-grade.