The pace of behind-the-scenes statements, declarations and steps shows that negotiations between the powers and Iran are far more advanced than is publicly known. • We are entering a new and sensitive era that will be marked by uncertainty about Iranian enrichment activities.
IAEA inspectors with Iranian technicians at a facility in Netabaz
Photo:
AFP (Archive)
Nuclear allusions: The
train continues to gallop towards the negotiating table with another statement from a senior US administration official about their intention to return to the nuclear deal with Iran.
"We strive to extend and strengthen the agreement," Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said.
Meanwhile, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, tried to score points against Tehran, but came out weak - and Khamenei threatens: "If we want nuclear weapons, the Zionist clowns will not be able to stop it."
Blinken: "We will strengthen the nuclear agreement with Iran" // Photo: Reuters
The pace of behind-the-scenes statements, statements and steps shows that negotiations between the powers and the Islamic Republic are gaining momentum and even much more advanced beyond what is known to the public.
Another sign of this was the IAEA chief's visit to Tehran last weekend, after meeting with senior Iranian officials in an attempt to reach a compromise on the ultimatum to restrict nuclear control.
In his diplomatic way, Grossi referred to the law that led to his quick visit to the country - a parliamentary move that Iran advanced last December that included a threat to the West: If the US does not lift sanctions, we will restrict the movement of inspectors. This one exists and is going to be implemented.
This means that the 'additional protocol', unfortunately, is about to be suspended, "stressed Grossi, who appeared rather disappointed." We have reached a temporary agreement under which the agency will continue with the three-month verification and monitoring operations, "he said. Expand them according to the degree of desire of those involved.
Grossi, however, admitted that "there will be less supervision", and judging by his words, it can be concluded that the situation is indeed serious.
In the end, he does not seem to have really managed to stop Iranian progress and its threat to reduce the activity of inspectors at the nuclear facilities - but he knows that there is also mixed political pressure from the regime and that this is not a step detached from reality.
We are entering a new and sensitive period that will be characterized first and foremost by uncertainty about Iranian enrichment activities: what it does and to what extent.
This assumption is quite clear, because the inspectors' surprise checks, apparently, have come to an end.
On the other hand, there is also a ladder of descent from the tree in the form of a "temporary thaw for three months."
This period will make it possible to recalculate a course, redistribute the cards, return to the negotiating table and reach an old-new nuclear agreement. There is only one side that has not been taken into account again, just like in the time of former President Barack Obama: the State of Israel.
