US President Donald Trump criticized the pace of nuclear talks with Iran, saying “they’re tapping us along.” The two countries are set to meet again on Saturday in Rome for a new round of pivotal negotiations. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that the talks would take place in Rome, but did not acknowledge the criticism.
Trump expressed his desire for Iran to become a “rich and great nation,” while also stating that they cannot have a nuclear weapon. He has repeatedly threatened to unleash airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear program if a deal isn’t reached.
The talks follow a visit by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Mariano Grossi, who will meet with Araghchi and other officials later this week. The IAEA played a key role in verifying Iran’s compliance with its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.
Sanctions relief and enrichment remain top issues in the talks. Iran enriches uranium up to 60%, a short step from weapons-grade levels, while the US can offer sanctions relief for Iran’s beleaguered economy. The exact concessions Iran will make are unclear, but it is likely that they will ask to keep enriching uranium up to at least 20%.
Trump’s comments come after indirect talks mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, where Iranian officials met with US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff. However, Araghchi stated that direct negotiations would not take place as long as the language of sanctions and pressure continues.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-nuclear-talks-italy-77b07a31957b2cb64bd2c37a9d47dad5