In an unprecedented move, Steve Witkoff, the White House envoy, and Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, are reportedly planning to meet in Oslo, Norway, to reignite nuclear discussions between the United States and Iran.
This information comes from sources believed to be privy to the ongoing discussions. The White House and the Iranian government have yet to confirm the meeting or establish a definitive date for the talks. However, should the meeting occur, it would mark the first face-to-face interaction since President Donald Trump authorized a military strike on three critical nuclear facilities in Iran last June.
As reported by Axios, the potential meeting comes in the wake of the military strike ordered by President Trump. The White House official has refrained from making any travel announcements at this point, and the Iranian mission to the United Nations has chosen not to comment on the report. Throughout the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, Witkoff and Araghchi maintained communication. Following the ceasefire between the two nations, brokered by the United States, the two officials remained in contact, with Oman and Qatar officials playing a significant role in the mediation process.
The focus of the discussions is likely to be Israel's stockpile of enriched uranium, which includes 400 kilograms enriched to 60%, just below the 90% threshold required to construct a nuclear bomb. Both Israeli and U.S. officials assert that the Iranian uranium is "sealed off from the outside world" and buried under rubble following the strikes on the Natanz and Fordo enrichment facilities and the underground tunnels at Isfahan.
In the midst of these developments, Araghchi reaffirmed Iran's commitment to its Safeguards Agreement and the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in a post on X Thursday. He noted that any coordination with the International Atomic Energy Agency would be directed through Iran's Supreme National Security Council "for obvious safety and security reasons." Speaking to CBS News on Monday, Araghchi expressed skepticism about the resumption of talks with the United States in the near future, stating that Iran must first "ensure that America will not revert to targeting us in a military attack during the negotiations. He added, "And I think with all these considerations, we still need more time."
Despite the challenges, Araghchi emphasized that "the doors of diplomacy will never slam shut." When questioned about Iran's plans to continue enriching uranium, he responded that Iran's "peaceful nuclear program has turned into a matter of national pride and glory. We have also gone through 12 days of imposed war; therefore, people will not easily back down from enrichment."
These developments underscore the complexity of the geopolitical landscape and the delicate balance of power in the Middle East. The potential meeting between Witkoff and Araghchi could mark a significant turning point in the relationship between the United States and Iran, particularly in the context of nuclear discussions.
However, the uncertainty surrounding the meeting and the ongoing tensions between the two nations highlight the challenges that lie ahead in achieving a resolution. As the situation unfolds, the world will be watching closely, waiting to see how these nuclear talks evolve and what impact they will have on the global stage.
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