Al Arabiya:
Dr. Majid Rafizadeh
The United States and Iran have entered a crucial and complicated phase in their nuclear negotiations. After a period of initial optimism, where the first two rounds of talks were described as “constructive” and “productive” by both sides, the reality is now setting in: the most difficult part of diplomacy is just beginning. The early sessions created the impression that a final deal could be reached swiftly and easily, giving rise to hope among many observers that a breakthrough was imminent. However, a closer look reveals that the true nature of negotiations is far more complex – and that real obstacles are now emerging that could slow or even derail the process altogether.
In any high-stakes negotiation, it is often the case that the first few rounds move relatively quickly and smoothly. These sessions are generally used to establish the groundwork: both parties test the waters, measure the seriousness and intentions of the other side, and see whether it is even worth continuing. In that phase, the discussions tend to remain general, focusing on shared goals like “restoring trust,” “avoiding escalation,” or “securing a peaceful future.” These kinds of broad conversations naturally create a sense of momentum. But once the talks move from broad intentions to specific details – the actual nuts and bolts of any potential agreement – the process invariably becomes slower, more complicated, and more contentious.
Today, the US and Iran have shifted into that technical phase, where every word, number, and technical specification could be a potential stumbling block. Negotiators are no longer discussing ideals; they are trying to hammer out a real, enforceable, and verifiable agreement. This new stage brings a host of highly sensitive and complex issues to the table, each of which touches on national security, sovereignty, and domestic political concerns. Understanding why the negotiations have become harder requires diving into these specific technical issues – because they are at the heart of whether a deal is even possible.
One of the central and most controversial technical issues is uranium enrichment. Iran’s ability to enrich uranium has long been a flashpoint of international tension. Under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran had agreed to limit its enrichment to 3.67 percent purity – suitable for civilian energy use, but far below the 90 percent enrichment level needed for weapons-grade material. Since the United States withdrew from the JCPOA under the Trump administration in 2018, Iran gradually increased its enrichment levels, eventually reaching up to 60 percent.
Go to link
Comments