Exclusive: The White House Asks Iran to Take Steps for De-escalation

Following reports of discussions between the Biden administration and the Islamic Republic to reach an understanding regarding Iran's nuclear program, a U.S. official responded in writing to the Persian section of Voice of America, stating: "We have clearly articulated our positions regarding what our policy towards Iran is: to limit their destabilizing behavior and ensure they do not acquire nuclear weapons; and we have made it clear what we want to see from the regime." He further elaborated on these positions: "We ask Iran to take steps for de-escalation, which includes actions to curb its nuclear program. We want Iran to stop its destabilizing actions in the region, including its support for proxy groups that carry out attacks. We also want Iran to cease its support for Russia's war against Ukraine." He continued: "We are still fully coordinating with our partners and allies in using our diplomatic engagements to pursue all these goals. Diplomacy is the best way forward. However, as always, if Iran does not make the necessary decisions, we have other options available." According to this U.S. official, "Our diplomacy is accompanied by deterrence. For example, our actions earlier this year sent a clear message to Iran that led to a significant reduction in attacks against American personnel." In response to another question from the Persian section regarding whether an understanding with Iran over its nuclear program would include the release of American hostages held in Iran, he said: "We have no higher priority than the security and safety of American citizens abroad. Iran must release the American citizens it has unjustly detained. Their continued detention of American citizens is unacceptable, and we will continue our diligent efforts to bring home every American who has been unjustly detained." The statements from this White House official were in response to a Reuters report citing a Western diplomat and an Iranian diplomat, indicating a rapprochement between Washington and Tehran over de-escalation. Reuters reported that an Iranian official stated that Washington and Tehran are seeking to reduce tensions. He said: "Call it whatever you want; temporary agreement, interim agreement, or mutual understanding - both sides want to prevent an escalation of tensions." This Iranian official claimed that the first phase of such an agreement or understanding would revolve around prisoner exchanges and the release of some of Iran's blocked funds. He stated that in subsequent steps, sanctions exemptions for Iran's oil exports in exchange for halting 60% enrichment and further cooperation with the agency could be achieved. Reuters also quoted a Western official stating that the U.S. and Iran have reached a kind of "calming understanding." According to him, Brett McGurk, a National Security Council official, and Ali Bagheri Kani, Iran's chief negotiator, have had "more than one round of indirect negotiations" in Oman. This Western official noted that the goal of these negotiations is to create an "acceptable status quo" for all, under which Iran does not exceed the red line of 90% enrichment and even halts 60% enrichment. He described the Biden administration's main goal in this matter as preventing the worsening of Iran's nuclear program and also preventing a military confrontation between Israel and the Islamic Republic. This Western official emphasized: "If the Iranians make a miscalculation, the likelihood of a severe Israeli response is something we want to avoid." According to Reuters, it appears that U.S. officials are deliberately avoiding the use of the term "agreement" because, under a law passed by Congress in 2015, Congress must have access to the text of any agreement regarding Iran's nuclear program, which could itself prevent its finalization. Meanwhile, Michael McCaul, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed opposition to the "possible decision of the administration to negotiate with the Islamic Republic" and wrote in a letter to Joe Biden: "I was disappointed by recent news that the White House is seeking a new nuclear agreement with the Islamic Republic without informing Congress." According to McCaul, any agreement that "merely limits" the Islamic Republic's nuclear program without completely ending it undermines global non-proliferation norms and poses a serious threat to U.S. national security.