Marc Finaud: Iran’s Supreme Leader approved direct negotiations with the US

Marc Finaud, Associate Fellow at the GCSP at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), says Iran’s Supreme Leader approved direct negotiations with the United States and this opportunity should not be wasted.

News ID: 5049

Date: 31 August 2024 - 10:15

TABNAK –Marc Finaud, Associate Fellow at the GCSP at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), says Iran’s Supreme Leader approved direct negotiations with the United States and this opportunity should not be wasted.

He adds that “Prior to the November election, there could be confidential talks both with the Europeans and the Americans to renew contact and pave the way for final negotiations after the US election.”

Following is the full text of interview:

Q: In the new report of the International Atomic Energy Agency, there is talk about the increase of high-enriched uranium reserves by Iran. What is your assessment of this report?

A: The Agency is fulfilling its mandate to monitor Iran's nuclear progrm to ensure that it remains peaceful. It has noticed that the stockpile of 60% enriched uranium held by Iran reached 164.7 kg, which is an increase of 22.6 kg since the Agency previous report in May. According to the Agency, 42 kg of 60% enriched uranium is sufficient to manufacture one nuclear bomb provided the enrichment level is raised to 90%. The Agency thus expresses some concern that, as its Director-General said, Iran could produce several nuclear weapons.

Q: In this report, it is stated that Rafael Grossi, the director general of the agency, has expressed his hope to travel to Iran and have a constructive conversation with Masoud Pezeshkian. Will this trip happen soon?

A: The Director-General has made this proposal for a visit but has not received any invitation yet. The ball is in the new Iranian government's court. It would be a good opportunity for the new President and his cabinet to demonstrate Iran's good will and flexibility.

Q: Some media announced that Iran has requested Europe to start nuclear negotiations. Do you think these talks will take place before the US presidential election?

A: The new Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, the former JCPOA negotiator, has stated his willingness to restart negotiations with the JCPOA partners about a new agreement but recognized that the war in Ukraine and the US presidential election create difficulties. The Supreme Leader approved direct negotiations with the United States and this opportunity should not be wasted. Prior to the November election, there could be confidential talks both with the Europeans and the Americans to renew contact and pave the way for final negotiations after the US election.

Q: Can the agency's new report make it necessary to start talks?

A: Yes, this report stresses the risk of letting Iran getting closer to the nuclear weapon threshold. Even if, as the new Foreign Minister said, some provisions of the JCPOA are no longer relevant, based on the Vienna talks and provided there is good will on all sides, a new agreement is feasible and necessary in everyone's interest.