Iran presents a dual strategy during the nuclear talks in Geneva

Against the background of extensive military exercises by the Revolutionary Guards in the Strait of Hormuz, a new round of nuclear talks between the US and Iran began in Geneva today (Tuesday). According to a report published in the Wall Street Journal, Tehran is presenting a two-fold strategy: signaling a readiness for diplomatic compromises alongside a military show of force, in an attempt to prevent a possible American attack.

Diplomatic sources told the Wall Street Journal that the Iranian representatives expressed a willingness to freeze uranium enrichment for a period of up to three years and transfer some of the stockpiles to a third country, such as Russia. In addition, the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister hinted at a readiness for economic cooperation with the US in the fields of oil, gas and even the purchase of aircraft, if the sanctions are lifted. However, the US administration demands a complete halt to enrichment. It should be noted that Iran’s enrichment capabilities were already significantly damaged by the attacks carried out by the US and Israel on the nuclear sites last June.

The US clarified after the end of the opening round of talks that it is interested in hearing new and real proposals from the Iranian side, but in preparation for the current round, the Iranians presented a rigid public position of the senior military along with vague promises from officials for possible economic cooperation between the parties. The media in Iran claimed that the indirect negotiations between Iran and America had entered the technical phase, but in Iran they said that the issue of the missiles and their distance was “not the business of the USA”.

The speaker of the presidency of the Iranian parliament (the Majles) noted after the opening round of talks between the US and Iran: “Regional issues and the missile program are not part of the agenda of the negotiations. We are witnessing an intelligent, balanced and respectful negotiation. The negotiating team entered the talks based on the same principles and red lines that were set in the past. Iran is ready for dialogue – but not for surrender. The frameworks are clear: the demand to stop enrichment is rejected outright. The nuclear industry is a vital need, and it must continue to operate.”

The talks in Geneva, held through Omani mediation, are held in an indirect format. The delegations from the US and Iran arrived in Switzerland after a first round held earlier this month in Muscat. Iranian officials stated that Tehran is coming to the talks with “constructive proposals”, but emphasized that the key to progress lies in the American willingness to lift sanctions.