US-Iran Nuclear Talks Make Incremental Progress, Experts Cautiously Optimistic
After marathon negotiations, US and Iran claim some progress on technical issues, but significant differences remain as talks continue in Vienna. Analysts see path to compromise but warn risks of conflict remain high.
Following a week of intense negotiations in Vienna, US and Iranian officials have concluded the latest round of talks on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). While both sides have claimed some progress on technical issues, few details have been released, and it remains unclear whether the fundamental differences between the two countries can be resolved to avoid a potential conflict.
The talks, which have been ongoing for over a year, are aimed at restoring the JCPOA, which the United States withdrew from in 2018 under the Trump administration. Since then, Iran has steadily expanded its nuclear program, raising concerns from the international community about the country's nuclear ambitions.
According to a joint statement from the Iranian and European Union negotiators, the latest round of talks was «constructive» and included «substantive progress» on technical issues. However, the statement also acknowledged that «differences remain» and that «more work is needed.»
The US State Department also confirmed the «progress» made during the discussions, but cautioned that «significant challenges» still remain. «We're not there yet,» said State Department spokesperson Ned Price. «There is still a fair distance to travel to close the remaining gaps.»
Analysts have cautiously welcomed the latest developments, noting that the mere fact that the talks are continuing is a positive sign. However, they also warn that the path to a final agreement remains fraught with obstacles.
«While the talks have made some incremental progress, the core differences between the US and Iran remain unresolved,» said Ellie Geranmayeh, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. «Both sides are still far apart on issues like sanctions relief and the scope of Iran's nuclear activities.»
The next round of technical discussions is expected to take place in the coming weeks, with the goal of resolving the remaining issues and paving the way for a final political agreement. However, with the delicate nature of the negotiations and the high stakes involved, the path forward remains uncertain.
«We're still a long way from a final deal,» said Geranmayeh. «The risks of a breakdown in the talks and potential conflict remain high, and both sides will need to show a lot of flexibility and political will to get this over the finish line.»
Source: Al Jazeera
