Iran Claims US Agreement ‘Within Reach’
The Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that a deal with the United States is “within reach.” This announcement comes ahead of a new round of negotiations set to take place in Geneva.
US-Iran Negotiations Amidst Military Pressure
Negotiations between the two countries have resumed under Omani mediation, starting on February 6 in Muscat. Araghchi emphasized that Iran is keen to reach a fair and just agreement swiftly.
In his remarks on social media, he expressed the need for a “historic opportunity” to secure an unprecedented accord that addresses the mutual concerns of both nations. However, he warned that success depends on prioritizing diplomacy.
Military Presence in the Region
The U.S. has maintained a significant military presence in the region, with plans to deploy the aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln. This military buildup is aimed at securing a deal preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Iran denies any ambitions for military nuclear capabilities and underscores its right to peaceful nuclear energy, as a signatory of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
Challenges to Reaching an Agreement
A report from the International Crisis Group (ICG) highlighted that finding common ground between the U.S. and Iran will be challenging due to their ongoing divergences. The report noted that tensions are high, stating, “The Islamic Republic and the United States have never been closer to the brink of a major conflict.”
Domestic Unrest in Iran
Concurrently, the Iranian government has faced domestic unrest, with students resuming protests in the wake of earlier crackdowns. The spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani acknowledged the students’ right to protest but warned against crossing certain thresholds, particularly concerning sacred sites and symbols of the Islamic Republic.
Recent protests have seen students burning the national flag and chanting slogans against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. These gatherings have been marked by clashes between protesters and government supporters.
Future Prospects
Analysts from ICG have expressed concerns regarding the United States’ unclear intentions should diplomacy fail. They noted that President Trump appears to prefer “short wars” rather than entering into extensive and chaotic engagements.
On February 19, President Trump indicated a timeline of 10 to 15 days to decide on potential military action against Iran. However, he refuted claims regarding warnings from military chiefs about large-scale intervention.
Iran, for its part, has vowed to respond “ferociously” to any U.S. strike, regardless of its scale, warning of potential regional escalation.
