Iran Likely to Reject U.S. Nuclear Deal Over Enrichment, Sanctions Terms
Iran is expected to formally reject a recent U.S. nuclear proposal, calling the plan one-sided and dismissing it as a diplomatic non-starter. The proposal, relayed through Omani mediation, has reportedly failed to address Iran’s long-standing demands related to uranium enrichment rights and immediate sanctions relief.
Iran Firm on Uranium Enrichment Rights
At the heart of the disagreement is Washington’s insistence that Iran halt all uranium enrichment and export its existing stockpile of highly enriched material. Tehran, however, maintains that it reserves the sovereign right to enrich uranium for peaceful energy and medical use under international norms.
Officials in Tehran argue that giving up enrichment entirely would cripple Iran’s civilian nuclear program and leave it strategically vulnerable. Any attempt to reimpose pre-2015 limits without reciprocal guarantees is viewed as unacceptable.
No Clear Path for Sanctions Relief
Another critical point of contention is the absence of a concrete and verifiable roadmap for lifting economic sanctions. Iran has demanded the immediate removal of banking, oil, and trade sanctions, along with mechanisms to ensure compliance from future U.S. administrations.
In contrast, the current proposal reportedly offers a phased approach to sanctions relief, contingent upon Iran meeting a series of verification benchmarks. Iranian officials have labelled this framework as vague and unreliable, given the past withdrawal from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) by the U.S.
Mediated Talks, Heightened Stakes
The U.S. proposal was presented to Iranian officials by Oman’s Foreign Minister, continuing Muscat’s role as a backchannel mediator. Despite months of indirect talks, fundamental disagreements have stalled progress.
The potential rejection of this proposal comes at a tense time in the region. With growing Israeli concerns over Iran’s nuclear advancements and ongoing proxy tensions in the Middle East, any breakdown in talks may trigger escalatory responses.
A Familiar Deadlock Returns
If Tehran proceeds with the rejection, it will reinforce a familiar diplomatic stalemate—one where both sides remain entrenched in their demands, yet acutely aware of the risks of total disengagement. Analysts warn that unless there’s a breakthrough soon, the international community may be forced to navigate a more volatile nuclear landscape with fewer diplomatic tools left on the table.
As the Iranian leadership prepares its official response, global powers are watching closely, knowing that the next move could determine whether the door to nuclear diplomacy remains open—or slams shut for another decade.
