The Iranian leadership is under pressure to negotiate with the United States to avoid becoming a bargaining chip in international agreements. Former ambassador Ali Majedi warns of increasing isolation amidst worsening economic conditions and escalated uranium enrichment. A lawsuit against a former torture official under the Shah underscores historical abuses compromising Iran’s current reputation. The urgency of negotiations is accentuated by international concerns over nuclear capabilities and sanctions ahead of the 2025 nuclear deal expiration.
Iran faces mounting pressure to negotiate with the United States, as former diplomat Ali Majedi warns that failure to do so could render Tehran a bargaining chip in international dealings involving Washington, Russia, and European powers. His urgent call reflects concerns about a potential U.S.-Russia rapprochement that may leave Iran isolated and abandoned by Moscow.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has raised alarms about Iran’s accelerated production of near weapons-grade uranium, with its stockpile of 60 percent enriched uranium increasing to 274.8 kilograms. Experts caution that Iran is only a technical step away from achieving 90 percent enrichment, which is classified as weapons-grade.
In a separate legal matter, three Iranian exiles have initiated a $225 million lawsuit against Parviz Sabeti, a former high-ranking official under the last Iranian Shah. They allege that Sabeti, who once led SAVAK, the notorious intelligence agency, was complicit in institutionalizing torture during his tenure, influencing future interrogation methods used by the current regime.
Negotiations with the U.S. are deemed inevitable by Majedi, especially amid deteriorating economic conditions in Iran. As U.S. sanctions tighten, Majedi cautioned that Iran’s inaction could allow others to negotiate on its behalf, jeopardizing its national interests in the process.
The potential return of UN sanctions poses a significant concern for Iran, as the agreement that lifted these sanctions approaches its formal expiration in October 2025. While the E3 (Britain, France, Germany) have historically opposed U.S. sanctions, recent developments may shift their stance in light of Iran’s escalating nuclear program and support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict.
In an interview, political scientist Mehrzad Boroujerdi supported Majedi’s assessment, asserting that without participation in negotiations, Iran risks being marginalized in international discussions. Critics of the negotiations contend that they have little to gain, particularly citing U.S. President Trump’s controversial dealings in the Ukraine situation as indicative of his negotiation tactics.
In summary, the urgent call from former diplomat Ali Majedi urges Iran to engage in negotiations with the United States to avoid becoming a tool in international political maneuvering. The IAEA’s report on Iran’s uranium enrichment, along with ongoing legal actions related to past abuses, underscores a complex and precarious situation for Tehran. The impending expiration of the 2015 nuclear deal and Iran’s relations with the E3 are pivotal issues as the country navigates its future in an increasingly challenging geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.rferl.org
