Iran Peace Talks Stall As US Pushes For Nuclear Deal Deadline
Iran Peace Talks Stall As US Pushes For Nuclear Deal Deadline...
High-stakes negotiations between Iran and world powers hit another roadblock Friday as the US pressed for a swift resolution to revive the 2015 nuclear deal. The talks, held in Vienna, stalled over Tehran's demand for guarantees that future US administrations won't abandon the agreement again.
The impasse comes just days before a self-imposed April 15 deadline set by US negotiators. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Thursday that the window for diplomacy is "closing rapidly" as Iran continues enriching uranium to near-weapons-grade levels.
The talks are trending today as White House officials confirmed President Biden will convene his national security team this weekend to discuss alternatives if diplomacy fails. This follows growing bipartisan pressure in Congress, with 33 senators signing a letter urging tougher sanctions if no deal is reached.
European mediators proposed a compromise Thursday that would temporarily freeze Iran's nuclear program in exchange for limited sanctions relief. However, Iranian negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani dismissed the offer as "insufficient," insisting all US sanctions must be lifted first.
Oil markets reacted sharply to the news, with Brent crude prices jumping 3.2% in early trading. Analysts warn a collapse in talks could send gasoline prices soaring above $5 per gallon in the US this summer.
The State Department confirmed Friday that Russia remains involved in negotiations despite Ukraine tensions. Moscow's envoy unexpectedly backed US calls for faster progress, suggesting rare alignment between the adversaries on non-Ukraine issues.
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett told reporters Friday his government has shared "concrete intelligence" with Washington showing Iran is weeks away from crossing nuclear thresholds. The claims haven't been independently verified.
Public opinion polls show Americans increasingly skeptical about reviving the deal. A Pew Research survey released Wednesday found just 39% of US adults support rejoining the agreement, down from 48% in 2021.
Diplomats say the next 72 hours will be critical. If no breakthrough occurs, the US may shift to pursuing a smaller interim agreement or tougher sanctions through the UN Security Council.
