Desk Report,
US ‘secret’ diplomatic efforts to bring Iran back to talks
The United States wants to bring Iran back to the negotiating table over its nuclear program. Washington has started to take action for this. The US administration is discussing providing Iran with $30 billion in aid to develop a civilian nuclear program. It is thought that the sanctions on Tehran will be lifted and the country’s frozen funds will be released.
US ‘secret’ diplomatic efforts to bring Iran back to talks
No official word on such an initiative by the US has come to light yet. However, four sources familiar with the matter told CNN. The sources said that despite the 12-day Iran-Israel conflict, important officials from the US and various Middle Eastern countries have held behind-the-scenes talks with Tehran. The talks are continuing even after the ceasefire.
According to the sources, Tehran is indicating that it will not give up on enriching uranium despite the ongoing crisis. Washington’s position is the opposite. They do not want to compromise on the decision that Iran will not be allowed to enrich uranium. Keeping this condition in mind, US officials are preparing various proposals regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
The conflict between Iran and Israel began on June 13. In the meantime, on the night of June 21, the United States attacked Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities. The previous day, on June 20, US special envoy Steve Witkoff and the country’s allies in the Gulf region held a secret meeting at the White House. Two sources told CNN about various information discussed in that meeting.
The information includes an investment of $20 to $30 billion to start a new Iranian nuclear project. Tehran will not be able to enrich uranium in this project. The projects will have to be used for civilian purposes. However, this money will not come directly from the United States. Washington wants that the US partner countries in the Middle East will bear the cost.
Some more concessions are being considered for Iran. According to a draft that came to CNN’s attention, Iran will be allowed to use $6 billion frozen in various foreign banks. There is also talk of providing assistance to US allies in the Gulf region to rebuild the Fordow nuclear facility damaged in the attack. Iran will no longer be able to enrich uranium there either.
