Iran signals no new concessions in nuclear talks with US, WSJ reports
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Arab mediators say Iran may escalate its nuclear program and conflict with "Israel" if US talks stall, with no signs of Tehran offering new concessions.
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In this Dec. 23, 2019 file photo released by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, technicians work at the Arak heavy water reactor's secondary circuit near Arak, Iran. (AEOI)
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Arab mediators have conveyed that Iran shows no indication of being prepared to offer new concessions should nuclear negotiations with the United States resume.
Citing unnamed regional officials involved in backchannel diplomacy, the report highlights growing concerns that Tehran is instead signaling a readiness to escalate both its nuclear activities and regional conflict if talks remain stalled.
Arab officials reportedly told the WSJ that Iran had warned of accelerating its nuclear program and expanding its confrontation against the Israeli occupation if diplomatic prospects with Washington fail to materialize.
E3 offer Iran immediate nuclear talks while backing 'Israel'
The European trio, Germany, France, and Britain (E3), largely focused their statements on condemning Iran and upholding "Israel's" right to self-defense. Although the strikes originated from "Israel", the E3 refrained from criticizing the offensive, instead stressing the need for de-escalation and renewed diplomacy.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz further admitted that Berlin was informed of the attack on Tehran ahead of time, while France's Macron confirmed Paris's readiness to "defend Israel". Meanwhile, the UK is sending additional fighter jets and support aircraft to the Middle East as part of what Prime Minister Keir Starmer described as "contingency support" for the region.
Given the E3's stance that frames Iran as the aggressor despite being under Israeli attack, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced that Germany, France, and Britain are prepared to initiate immediate negotiations with Iran regarding Tehran's nuclear program. The move aims to reduce growing tensions in the Middle East.
Wadephul, currently on a visit to the region, emphasized that the objective is to contribute to the de-escalation of the war between "Israel" and Iran. He claimed that Tehran had previously missed opportunities to engage in constructive dialogue but expressed hope that this time would be different.
Iran pursuing peaceful ambitions
In a message on its official X account on Sunday, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing peaceful nuclear technology, vowing that recent attacks would not deter the nation's scientific progress.
"Iran stands strong," the post declared, signaling resilience in the face of mounting external pressure and threats, emphasizing that Iran’s nuclear program remains firmly rooted in peaceful development, stating: "With reliance on the efforts of the nuclear scientists of the homeland, we will continue the path of developing peaceful nuclear technology for the Iranian people with strength."
The AEOI also dismissed recent hostile actions by adversaries, asserting that such aggression would not break the nation’s resolve: "The desperate attacks of the enemies cannot rival the will of this nation."
The remarks come amid heightened tensions following Iranian retaliatory missile strikes on strategic sites in occupied territories and renewed threats from Western powers over Iran's nuclear capabilities.
Despite international scrutiny, Iran maintains that its nuclear program is fully in line with its commitments under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and is solely intended for civilian purposes.
