Skip to main content

Iran says nuclear talks not suspended

Though progress has been halted for weeks, Iran says the talks with the United States have not been suspended.
ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Monday that talks to revive the 2015 nuclear deal have not been suspended, despite reports that they've been halted.

At a press conference in Tehran, Saeed Khatibzadeh said that the negotiations pertaining to Iran, the European Union, China and Russia have concluded and what remains are outstanding issues between Iran and the United States. He added that the sides have agreed that talks should continue

Iran wants its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps removed the United States' list of foreign terrorist organizations, but Washington is reluctant. In mid-March, some observers had hoped that the United States and Iran were close to announcing some type of deal but as time drags on the sides have grown no closer to even an interim deal.

Iran needs economic relief in the form of sanctions removal to help address economic conditions at home. The US sanctions on Iran make it difficult for the country to sell its oil and also conduct banking transactions. A return to the JCPOA would remove many barriers on the sale of Iran’s oil. With the signing of the original deal in 2015, Iran had harbored hopes that the removal of US sanctions would bring European investments into the country, but the Trump administration's 2018 exit dashed them. Even if Iran and the United States agree to revive the JCPOA, there is no guarantee the next US administration wouldn't do the same.

Khatibzadeh did say that the talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia are moving forward. He did not discuss details but said but the two countries had taken a two month-break before starting the current fifth round of talks to settle regional differences. Al-Alam News reported that the two sides are discussing regional issues including security in the Persian Gulf

The talks between Tehran and Riyadh are being facilitated by officials from Iraq and Oman, both of which have reasons to want tensions to ease between the two countries. The latest meeting brought together representatives of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council as well as from Saudi Arabia’s intelligence services. It was reported that if the talks continue to move positively that the next meeting could involve the foreign ministers of each country.

Join hundreds of Middle East professionals with Al-Monitor PRO.

Business and policy professionals use PRO to monitor the regional economy and improve their reports, memos and presentations. Try it for free and cancel anytime.

Already a Member? Sign in

Free

The Middle East's Best Newsletters

Join over 50,000 readers who access our journalists dedicated newsletters, covering the top political, security, business and tech issues across the region each week.
Delivered straight to your inbox.

Free

What's included:
Our Expertise

Free newsletters available:

  • The Takeaway & Week in Review
  • Middle East Minute (AM)
  • Daily Briefing (PM)
  • Business & Tech Briefing
  • Security Briefing
  • Gulf Briefing
  • Israel Briefing
  • Palestine Briefing
  • Turkey Briefing
  • Iraq Briefing
Expert

Premium Membership

Join the Middle East's most notable experts for premium memos, trend reports, live video Q&A, and intimate in-person events, each detailing exclusive insights on business and geopolitical trends shaping the region.

$25.00 / month
billed annually

Become Member Start with 1-week free trial
What's included:
Our Expertise

Memos - premium analytical writing: actionable insights on markets and geopolitics.

Live Video Q&A - Hear from our top journalists and regional experts.

Special Events - Intimate in-person events with business & political VIPs.

Trend Reports - Deep dive analysis on market updates.

We also offer team plans. Please send an email to pro.support@al-monitor.com and we'll onboard your team.

Already a Member? Sign in