Iran has refused to halt uranium enrichment amid nuclear talks on Friday with senior United States (US) officials in Oman. The first round of negotiations took place between the two countries since US and Israel strikes last year.
During the talks, Iran refused to stop enriching the nuclear element, uranium. It is used to make nuclear bombs if purified to high levels. In order to prevent weaponisation, Iran has offered to monitor its nuclear program with checks and balances put in place.
According to a source, the US and Iran have reached a consensus about holding follow up meetings after consultations with their respective capitals. Both countries have perceived the decision as a positive outcome of the dialogue.
The discussions came after US President Donald Trump threatened to strike Iran if it refused to sign a nuclear deal or continued to use force against protestors.
US Iran talks
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi and US diplomat, Steve Witkoff participated in the nuclear talks that were mediated by Badr Albusaidi, the Foreign Minister of Oman.
Other officials who attended the meeting include commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), Admiral Brad Cooper and American businessman and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
During the meeting, Iranian FM introduced Omani FM, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, to a preliminary plan for the effective management of the current circumstances which afflict US Iran relations.
Omani FM delivered the plan to the US delegation with Iran awaiting a US response. The US had requested the scope of the discussions to include crackdown on peaceful demonstrations, use of ballistic missiles, the threat of Iranian proxies along with Israeli interests in the Middle East.
At the Oman led talks, Iran demanded sanctions to be lifted as well. However, the US wishes to maintain economic pressure and has introduced new sanctions on Iranian oil since the discussions on Friday.
