The United States remains in talks on Iran’s nuclear program, but will work with allies to increasepressure on the islamic republic if diplomatic efforts fail, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Friday.
The talks were close to reaching an agreement until Russia made last-minute demands on the United States, insisting that sanctions imposed on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine not affect its trade with Iran.
US officials have been cautious in their assessment of efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, which would curb Tehran’s nuclear program in exchange for lifting tough sanctions on the nation’s economy.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, traveling with President Joe Biden, Sullivan said he has made substantial progress in resolving a number of key issues for Washington to return to the deal “on the basis of meeting the terms.”
“There are still stumbling blocks. There is still work to be done,” he added. “We are still looking for a diplomatic outcome to regulate Iran’s nuclear program. Of course, if diplomacy is unsuccessful, we will work very closely with our international partners to increase pressure on Iran,” she said.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said Thursday that the vital issue of sanctions relief for Iran has not yet been fully resolved.
“If the United States is pragmatic, an agreement on the nuclear program can be reached in the short term,” he told a news conference in Beirut.
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