Former President Donald Trump has indicated an interest in holding direct negotiations with Iran over the contentious nuclear accord. In his recent remarks, Trump reiterated his interest in sitting down with Iran’s leadership to try to redefine the terms of the nuclear agreement. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) of 2015 has been at the center of US-Iran relations, with tensions mounting on both sides since Trump’s unilateral withdrawal from the accord in 2018.
Iran has reacted guardedly to Trump’s comments, calling for a “change in the other side’s approach” before a direct negotiation. The Iranian government has noted the need for respect and the rolling back of earlier sanctions as conditions for negotiations to proceed. This continued tit-for-tat exchange is against a backdrop of increased anxiety regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its regional power.
Both countries have registered sporadic indications of willingness to negotiate, but major hurdles continue to impede progress. The prospect of revived negotiations holds far-reaching implications for international stability, particularly with regard to the Middle East and global non-proliferation policy.
Experts estimate that any prospective breakthrough in US-Iranian relations may remap the region’s geopolitics, depending on how each party is able to bridge the divide between them.
