It was reported that Iran’s diplomats and international leaders met in Vienna on Tuesday to try to resurrect the 2015 nuclear deal, with pressure increasing for results fast. After a brief pause to return to their capitals for talks, Iran’s negotiators and the remaining parties to the accord (the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, and China) got back to work. The United States has only an indirect role in the discussions because it withdrew from the agreement in 2018 under ex-President Donald Trump. President Joe Biden has expressed his desire to rejoin the agreement. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) relieved Iran of sanctions in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear program. The United States reimposed harsh sanctions on Iran under Trump’s administration. In defiance of the agreement, Iran has increased the purity and quantity of uranium it enriches and stockspiles. Iran claims that its program is non-violent. Officials said the negotiations are nearing their end, but it is unclear how long that will take. The talks have been dragging on for months, interrupted by a long break last year caused by Iran’s new hard-line government’s entrance. The eighth round began just after Christmas. The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken signed multiple sanctions waivers linked to Iran’s civilian nuclear activities on Friday. The decision overturns the Trump administration’s decision to revoke them. Iran’s foreign minister welcomed the lifting of sanctions on Saturday, but said it was not enough.
Source: Viewers Corner News.