Axios: Trump Administration Conditions Iranian Proposal Within Hours to Resume Talks

SadaNews - A senior U.S. official reported to "Axios" today, Sunday, that U.S. negotiators are prepared to hold another round of talks with Iran next Friday in Geneva, should they receive a detailed Iranian proposal regarding a nuclear agreement within the next 48 hours, adding that the Trump administration is waiting for the Iranian proposal.

The U.S. official stated, "If Iran submits a draft proposal, the United States is ready to meet in Geneva on Friday to start detailed negotiations to explore the possibility of reaching a nuclear agreement."

The official confirmed that the Trump administration and Iran might also discuss the possibility of reaching a temporary agreement before concluding a full nuclear deal.

The Last Chance

U.S. officials believe that the current diplomatic efforts "are likely the last chance President Donald Trump will give to Iran before launching a large-scale U.S.-Israeli military operation that could directly target Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei."

Trump’s envoys, Steve Biegun and Jared Kushner, who advised Trump to give diplomacy a chance before issuing an order for a strike, plan to be in Geneva on February 27 if the Iranians send the proposal early this week.

During the last round of talks in Geneva last Tuesday, both Biegun and Kushner requested Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi to provide a detailed written proposal from Iran within days.

Biegun and Kushner informed Araqchi that Trump’s position is "not to enrich" uranium on Iranian territory, but they also indicated that the U.S. is willing to consider an Iranian proposal that includes "symbolic enrichment" if Iran can prove that the plan closes all pathways to acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Araqchi stated on Friday in an interview that he would finish drafting the proposal over the weekend and deliver it to Biegun and Kushner as soon as it is approved by the political leadership in Tehran.

Incitement

On another note, Senator Lindsey Graham - a Republican from South Carolina - expressed to Axios yesterday, Saturday, his regret that many close to President Trump are advising him against bombing Iran. Graham urged the president to ignore them.

Graham said, "I understand the concerns about large-scale military operations in the Middle East in light of past entanglements. However, it seems that the voices warning against involvement ignore the consequences of leaving evil unchecked."

Trump’s advisers say the president might change course and order a strike at any time, but many of his team members are currently advising patience.

Iran's Position

On the other side, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that reaching an agreement with Washington is possible and some aspects could be better than the previous agreement signed in 2015.

In an interview with the American network "CBS," Araqchi said that Tehran is working on aspects of the agreement and its draft, and it seeks to hold a meeting with the American side in Geneva next Thursday.

He added that the current discussions only address the nuclear issue, emphasizing that Iran has the right to enrich uranium. He also noted that diplomacy is the only solution, adding that there is no need for the military buildup, which will not intimidate Tehran, as he put it.