By Jerald Jimenez
Aug 28, 2024, 11:40 AM EDT
The Biden administration has cast doubt on the possibility of resuming nuclear negotiations with Iran, despite the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, expressing his intention to resume them.
“We will judge Iran’s leaders by their actions, not their words,” a State Department spokesperson said. “If Iran wants to demonstrate seriousness or a new approach, it should stop nuclear escalations and begin meaningful cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).”
The State Department also stressed that a negotiated solution remains the best way to contain Iran’s nuclear program. However, Tehran’s lack of cooperation with the IAEA and its recent actions make diplomacy virtually unfeasible at this time.
Ayatollah Khamenei authorized Iran’s new reformist president, Masoud Pezeshkian, to relaunch talks with the United States in a recent speech. However, he warned the Iranian government about Washington’s unreliability, saying: “There is nothing wrong with interacting with the enemy in certain situations, but do not place your hopes on them.”
US may consider returning to indirect talks with Iran
Several officials have told ABC News that the Biden administration believes returning to indirect talks with Iran could be politically unfavorable, especially ahead of the Nov. 5 election.
The slim chances of resuming negotiations in the coming months further diminish the possibility of reaching an agreement with Iran before President Joe Biden’s term ends, putting at risk Biden’s promise to negotiate a “longer and stronger” deal.
Khamenei’s recent comments reflect his stance during the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015, a landmark deal that provided relief from economic sanctions to Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program.
With information from ABC News