Iran Seeks Clear Sanctions Relief Framework in Nuclear Negotiations With US

Monday 02 June 2025 - 13:03

By: Zahouani Ilham

Iran Seeks Clear Sanctions Relief Framework in Nuclear Negotiations With US

Iran has insisted that the United States provide concrete guarantees on how and when economic sanctions will be lifted as part of ongoing negotiations over its nuclear program.

Speaking on Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated that Iran expects Washington to offer detailed explanations about the removal of sanctions. This comes after the US submitted what it called an “acceptable” proposal, following seven weeks of talks focused on ensuring the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear activities and addressing Tehran’s demand for economic relief.

Baghaei emphasized that the US has yet to clearly outline the mechanisms for lifting the sanctions, echoing concerns previously raised by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He called for assurances regarding the actual termination of sanctions, including specific procedures and timelines.

Iran continues to assert that its uranium enrichment is for peaceful purposes. However, US envoy Steve Witkoff reiterated Washington’s firm stance against any enrichment activity, calling it a "red line" for the Biden administration.

A recently leaked UN report indicated Iran has increased uranium enrichment to 60 percent purity well above the 4 percent needed for energy production, but below the 90 percent threshold for weaponization. Baghaei dismissed the report as politically influenced, accusing Western nations of pressuring the UN against Iran.

The proposal from Washington reportedly includes a demand for Iran to halt all uranium enrichment. While Iranian officials have acknowledged receiving the document described by the White House as being in Tehran’s best interest they have yet to accept it.

"Receiving a document doesn’t mean agreeing with it, nor does it imply that it’s acceptable," Baghaei clarified.

Since April 12, Iran and the US have held five rounds of negotiations aimed at reviving a deal to replace the 2015 nuclear agreement that former President Donald Trump withdrew from in 2018.