Iranian official media reported today that Tehran has presented two drafts to the European powers participating in the 2015 nuclear agreement regarding the lifting of sanctions and nuclear commitments. The Iranian news agency stated, "Chief Iranian negotiator Ali Baqeri announced in Vienna talks that... Iran has submitted its proposals regarding the issues of lifting unjust sanctions and nuclear matters." No further details were provided. Baqeri told reporters in Vienna, "We have provided them with two draft proposals... they certainly need to examine the texts we have submitted to them... If they are ready to continue the negotiations, we are in Vienna to complete them." A European diplomat confirmed the delivery of the drafts.
Simultaneously, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett spoke today with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, discussing the Vienna negotiations concerning Iran's nuclear program. The Secretary of State updated the Prime Minister on the ongoing talks between Iran and the powers in Vienna. The Israeli Prime Minister pointed out the International Atomic Energy Agency's announcement during the talks that Iran has begun enriching uranium to 20% using advanced centrifuges at the underground Fordow facility, asserting that Iran is engaging in "nuclear blackmail" as a negotiation tactic, and that there should be an immediate halt to negotiations and severe actions taken against it by the major powers.
For his part, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz hinted at the possibility of a military operation against Iran if it continues its current approach. Gantz stated in press remarks that the United States will fulfill its promise and responsibility to ensure that Tehran does not possess nuclear weapons. Iran had previously reduced its nuclear program under the agreement in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions imposed by the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations. However, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of the U.S. from the agreement in 2018 and reimposed strict sanctions on Tehran, prompting it to violate the terms of the agreement.
The seventh round of negotiations to return to the nuclear agreement is ongoing in Vienna, but the atmosphere has been tense following the announcement by the International Atomic Energy Agency that Iran has started producing enriched uranium at the Fordow facility. Western negotiators fear that Iran is creating facts on the ground to enhance its leverage during the talks.
