Iran Rejects Direct Nuclear Talks With U.S.

Iran rejected an offer from the European Union and the United States to resume dialogue regarding the 2015 nuclear agreement, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Iran only agreed to attend meetings in Europe in exchange for the U.S. lifting some sanctions.

The Biden administration has refused to lift sanctions until after Iran sits down for negotiations.

Both Iran and the Biden administration have said they hope to return to a nuclear deal based on the framework of the 2015 agreement achieved under former president Obama, but Iran demands less restrictions while the Biden administrations seeks more than the 2015 talks.

Meanwhile, France, the U.K. and Germany will be recommending the International Atomic Energy Agency censure Iran for its refusal to allow IAEA investigators examine its facilities.

The Biden administration has indicated it will only return to talks once Iran has recommitted to the many rules of the deal it has since breached.

Diplomats says Iran may not be trying to end all possibility of direct talks but to gain the upper hand in setting parameters.

Nonetheless, Iran’s refusal is likely to exacerbate tensions.

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smarcus@hamodia.com