[By Guancha Observer Network, Chen Sijia] According to a May 10 report by the Cable News Network (CNN), an Iranian official stated that Iran believes the United States has shown "insincerity" in the indirect negotiations on the nuclear issue and is attempting to play "political and media games." Iran suspects that the negotiations may have been designed from the outset as a "trap to escalate tensions," and is preparing for the possibility of negotiation failure.

The Iranian official told CNN that the U.S. "basically is not prepared for meaningful technical and political negotiations," giving only "brief and general responses" during the negotiation process, ignoring key proposals, and "constantly changing its position." The U.S. attitude has led Iran to conclude that the negotiations may not achieve the expected results regarding the lifting of sanctions and economic benefits.

The official revealed that, in the view of the Iranian government, the one-week intervals between each round of negotiations and the postponement of the fourth round of indirect talks may be a "political and media game" played by the U.S. government, which goes against Iran's wishes. Therefore, Iran is preparing for the possibility of negotiation failure, with "necessary plans having been prepared by political, economic, and other departments over the past month."

Iranian Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian told the media on May 9 that Iran has received "contradictory messages" from the U.S., with different officials expressing varying views. "Some believe this is because the new U.S. administration has just taken office and has not yet fully determined its stance. Others think it might be part of America’s negotiation strategy." However, he emphasized that Iran will remain steadfast on the path of negotiations.

During his visit to Qatar on May 10, Amirabdollahian stated that Iran believes in the principle of dialogue and is engaging in "good faith" talks with the U.S. He pointed out that if the U.S. goal is to make Iran abandon its nuclear rights, this will not happen. However, if the U.S. goal is to prevent nuclear proliferation, then reaching an agreement with Iran is possible.

Photo: Nuclear facilities outside Isfahan, Iran

The U.S. and Iran held their first round of indirect talks in Masqat, the capital of Oman, on April 12. This was the first formal negotiation between both sides since the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018. Subsequently, the second round of indirect talks took place in Rome, the capital of Italy, on April 19, and the third round in Masqat on April 26.

However, the fourth round of indirect talks, originally scheduled for May 3, has been postponed to May 11 in Masqat, Oman. CNN reported that the fourth round of talks is expected to be a high-level meeting, indicating that both parties will discuss a broader framework, while the technical teams responsible for negotiating specific details such as the lifting of sanctions will not attend.

A U.S. official told CNN that President Trump "genuinely hopes to reach an agreement with Iran," and that the U.S. will ensure that Iran never acquires nuclear weapons, also hoping for lasting peace in the Middle East, establishing new relations with Iran, and allowing the Iranian people to fully realize their national potential.

However, U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkowski warned on May 9 that if no results are achieved at the fourth round of talks in Masqat on May 11, "then the negotiations will not continue, and we will have to choose a different path."

Witkowski also emphasized: "Iran can no longer carry out uranium enrichment programs; this is our red line. There can be no uranium enrichment, meaning related facilities must be dismantled, meaning there can be no weaponization, and the uranium enrichment facilities at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan must be dismantled."

But an Iranian official stated that allowing Iran to engage in uranium enrichment activities is a non-negotiable bottom line for Iran in the negotiations. He pointed out that the U.S. is "fully aware" of Iran's stance.

Iran has repeatedly emphasized that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. According to the Islamic Republic News Agency, Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian said in a speech at the Arab-Iranian Dialogue Conference in Qatar on May 10 that Iran has always been a firm member of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and will not develop or use nuclear weapons. However, Iran insists on its right to peacefully utilize nuclear energy, including engaging in uranium enrichment activities.

"We do not seek nuclear weapons; weapons of mass destruction have no place in Iran's security concept. Western countries and all nations claiming to oppose nuclear weapons must avoid double standards and cannot claim to be concerned about the peaceful use of nuclear energy by Iran and other countries in the region while allowing an occupier, aggressor, and genocidal entity to possess a nuclear arsenal," Amirabdollahian added.

He further stated that the Iranian government will continue to engage in dialogue with the U.S. while conducting sincere dialogues with Europe, Russia, and China.

This article is an exclusive piece by the Guancha Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7503021730416411177/

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