US Position on Iran's Nuclear Programme Moves Towards Realism Ahead of Negotiations

Iran on Monday said that the US position on Tehran’s nuclear programme “has moved towards a more realistic one," a day ahead of a second round of negotiations between the two countries. “A cautious assessment is that, from the discussions that have taken place in Muscat to date, at least what we have been told is that the US position on the Iranian nuclear issue has moved towards a more realistic one," said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, according to the official IRNA news agency. The comments come as Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, arrived in Geneva to lead a diplomatic and expert delegation for indirect talks with the US, mediated by Oman. The negotiations, set for Tuesday, will focus on Tehran’s nuclear programme, though Washington has pushed to include issues such as Iran’s ballistic missiles and regional activities. ALSO READ: Iran Ready To Consider Compromises For Nuclear Deal If US Lifts Sanctions: Deputy Foreign Minister Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards began military exercises in the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Monday. State media said the drills aim to prepare for “potential security and military threats" in the area, through which about 20 percent of the world’s oil passes. Iranian officials have repeatedly threatened to block the strait amid rising tensions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed cautious optimism, telling reporters, “We’re hopeful there’s a deal. The president always prefers peaceful outcomes and negotiated outcomes to things." Considerable uncertainty surrounds Iran’s stockpile of more than 400 kilogrammes of 60-percent enriched uranium, last inspected in June. Iran has indicated it may consider compromises on its nuclear programme if US sanctions are lifted, while insisting that no deal will involve submission to threats. Araghchi also met with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi for “deep technical discussion" ahead of the talks and is scheduled to meet Swiss and Omani officials as part of the diplomatic efforts. Tehran has said it seeks a “viable" agreement that benefits both sides economically, particularly in aviation, mining, and oil and gas sectors, while Israel has demanded complete removal of enriched uranium and strict limits on Iran’s enrichment capabilities. (With inputs from AFP)