The US has reportedly been conducting secret talks with Iran to restrict the country’s nuclear program and free detained US citizens.
The talks, aimed at a “political ceasefire”, are a last-ditch attempt at nuclear diplomacy after formal negotiations collapsed last year.
If agreed, Iran will:
- not enrich uranium beyond 60% purity (90% is weapons-grade)
- not sell ballistic missiles to Russia, and
- return to cooperation with the international nuclear watchdog.
In exchange, the US is basically promising not to ramp up pressure on Iran any further.
Intrigue’s take: This all effectively amounts to a nuclear pinky promise. So then what’s the big deal?
- The US and Iran are still talking, despite decades without formal ties, and after countless failed talks, and
- Iran’s rapid nuclear development could still be halted, after years of spooking its neighbours and the broader international community.
Also worth noting:
- Oman has become a central mediator in US-Iran indirect talks.
