Iran: No Deal Without Tangible Sanctions Relief, Guarantees

Two Omani security officers monitor a motorcade believed to be carrying US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in Muscat on April 12. (AP)
Two Omani security officers monitor a motorcade believed to be carrying US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in Muscat on April 12. (AP)
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Iran: No Deal Without Tangible Sanctions Relief, Guarantees

Two Omani security officers monitor a motorcade believed to be carrying US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in Muscat on April 12. (AP)
Two Omani security officers monitor a motorcade believed to be carrying US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in Muscat on April 12. (AP)

Iran has accused Israel of actively working to undermine ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington over its nuclear program. The talks, mediated by Oman, have centered on Iran’s key demand: effective sanctions relief and concrete guarantees from the United States.

At the same time, Iranian officials warned European powers against triggering the “snapback” sanctions mechanism, calling it a threat to the negotiation track Iran is attempting to strengthen with Washington.

US President Donald Trump said Monday that the United States has held productive discussions with Iran but acknowledged that more time is needed. His comments followed the conclusion of the second round of indirect talks between the two sides, which took place in Rome.

Both countries agreed to work toward a framework for a potential nuclear agreement and described the talks as having made progress. Trump, who withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord during his first term in 2018, has warned that the US could support military action if Iran does not agree to a new deal aimed at preventing it from developing nuclear weapons.

In their second indirect exchange within a week, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held nearly four hours of talks in Rome with Steve Witkoff, the US president’s Middle East envoy. The messages were relayed through Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who is playing a key mediation role.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated his country’s stance, stating that Tehran is ready to reach an agreement within a clear framework that preserves national interests. However, he added that if the negotiations are not conducted on equal terms, Iran will continue along its own path, consistent with the position expressed by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated that an emerging alliance appears intent on disrupting the diplomatic process. He said Israel is at the center of these efforts and claimed that several provocative elements in the United States, including certain political figures, are also working against a deal.

The New York Times reported last week that Trump had asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to refrain from launching attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities in the short term to allow diplomatic efforts to continue. Netanyahu reaffirmed on Sunday that Israel remains committed to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Trump also warned last week that if negotiations fail, Iran could face a military strike led by Israel.



EU Will Review Trade Deal with Israel, Kallas Says

Israeli army tanks are deployed at Israel's southern border with the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing war with Hamas, May 20, 2025. (dpa)
Israeli army tanks are deployed at Israel's southern border with the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing war with Hamas, May 20, 2025. (dpa)
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EU Will Review Trade Deal with Israel, Kallas Says

Israeli army tanks are deployed at Israel's southern border with the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing war with Hamas, May 20, 2025. (dpa)
Israeli army tanks are deployed at Israel's southern border with the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing war with Hamas, May 20, 2025. (dpa)

The European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said on Tuesday that there would be a review of the EU's trade agreement with Israel amid the "catastrophic" situation in Gaza.

International pressure on Israel has mounted in recent days as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has launched a renewed military offensive in Gaza.

Kallas said a "strong majority" of EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels favored such a review of the bloc's association agreement with Israel in the light of events in Gaza.

"The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The aid that Israel has allowed in is of course welcomed, but it's a drop in the ocean. Aid must flow immediately, without obstruction and at scale, because this is what is needed," Kallas told reporters.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, speaking in parliament, welcomed the EU decision and said 17 out of the 27 member states had backed the move.

EU sanctions on violent Israeli settlers have been prepared but have so far been blocked by one member state, Kallas said, without naming the country.