Just before what appeared to be the signing of a new nuclear deal between Iran and the powers, the Russian invasion of Ukraine forfeited the cards, and it seems that despite progress on the way to signing, negotiations will now come to a standstill.
A few hours before the start of Russian action inside Ukraine, Ali Bakri Ali Bakri Kani, the Iranian envoy to the nuclear talks, took off from Vienna.
Kanyi returned to Iran knowing that despite disagreements over several points - the renewal of the nuclear deal is within reach and only remains to be seen for a final decision among the senior political echelon of the regime in Iran.
However, then Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion, and now the Islamic Republic will have to reassess the situation, and try to maneuver back to the center of the stage.
You may also need to reconsider your position in the negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdullahian said: "The crisis in Ukraine is rooted in NATO provocations, but war is not the solution.
Abdullahian later spoke with his British counterpart, Liz Tras, and reiterated Iran's position that "objective sanctions are needed to reach a lasting agreement."
The new missile introduced by Iran a day after the round of talks in Vienna
Iranian envoy to Vienna Kanye said before taking off for Tehran that "being near the finish line is not a guarantee that it can be crossed. It requires caution, perseverance and creativity to take the last step. There are certain decisions that our Western interlocutors have to make."
The chairman of Iran's National Security Council, Ali Shimkhani, said Iran now has the potential to reach a good agreement following "incredible progress in negotiations." He said the ball is now in the West's court.
At the moment the guns in Ukraine are roaring, and the rest of the global issues have been pushed to a second or third priority.
In addition, around the negotiating table in the Austrian capital are representatives who are currently on opposite sides, led by Russia and the United States, which are indirectly involved in the talks. The campaign in Eastern Europe could serve as an excellent excuse for the parties to prolong talks and improve positions towards the final alignment.
Were we wrong?
Fixed!
If you found an error in the article, we'll be happy for you to share it with us
