Cautious Optimism Between Washington and Tehran as Nuclear Talks Inch Forward

Asharq Al-Awsat

a day ago

Amid renewed diplomatic engagement, cautious optimism is building around the Iranian nuclear file, with sources in Washington and Tehran suggesting that a political understanding may soon be within reach. While a comprehensive agreement has not yet been finalized, both sides appear to be edging closer to a deal that could revive stalled negotiations.
US officials have indicated that a broad framework is on the table and could be finalized in the next round of talks. Iranian sources, meanwhile, have signaled conditional readiness to pause uranium enrichment -if two core demands are met: the release of billions in frozen Iranian assets and formal recognition of Iran's right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes.
Still, Tehran's tone remains guarded. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi pushed back against speculation of an imminent deal, stating that while Iran is genuinely pursuing a diplomatic resolution, the path to agreement requires the full lifting of sanctions and formal guarantees of its nuclear rights. Araghchi warned against overreliance on media speculation, asserting that real solutions will only emerge through direct negotiation, not public pressure campaigns or political posturing.
Iran's semi-official Nour News echoed this message, characterizing recent US optimism as a psychological tactic aimed at pressuring the Iranian delegation ahead of the upcoming, yet unscheduled, sixth round of talks. The outlet reiterated that meaningful outcomes cannot be dictated through media narratives but must be shaped at the negotiating table.
US President Donald Trump added to the intrigue this week by confirming he had urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to launch a military strike against Iran, arguing that such an action would be ill-timed as talks approach a critical juncture. Trump said a resolution appears 'very close' and that aggressive moves would only derail progress.
On the Iranian side, nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami said Tehran might consider granting more access to international inspectors if future agreements are framed respectfully and reflect Iran's concerns. However, senior lawmakers pushed back against any suggestion that Iran is prepared to dismantle its nuclear infrastructure, underscoring that uranium enrichment and the removal of sanctions remain non-negotiable pillars of Iran's position.
Meanwhile, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi warned that any new nuclear deal must include 'rigorous inspection mechanisms' to ensure compliance.
In Moscow, Iran's top security official Ali Akbar Ahmadian met with his Russian counterpart and reaffirmed Tehran's commitment to diplomacy. However, he emphasized that Iran would not compromise on its right to maintain enrichment capabilities for peaceful purposes.