Iran Negotiating Team Member: Disagreements on Major Issues Persist

A member of Iran's nuclear negotiating team states that there have been advancements in the nuclear talks between Iran and the 1+5 group over the past two days compared to the previous round, but disagreements over sanctions and research and development remain. According to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Hamid Baidi-Nejad mentioned on Friday evening, April 7, that there are still differences on 'major issues' between the parties. He also described the remaining contentious topics as 'difficult issues' and added that if they were 'simple and small issues,' there would be no need for negotiations at this level. He stated, 'These issues have complex dimensions that until resolved, we cannot say an understanding has been reached.' Baidi-Nejad's remarks come as Majid Takht-Ravanchi, a senior member of Iran's negotiating team, had said a day before the new round of nuclear talks in Lausanne, Switzerland, that the disagreements between the parties had 'significantly decreased' with only 'one or two fundamental issues' remaining. Meanwhile, a Western official close to the negotiations told Reuters that the issues of centrifuges and uranium enrichment remain 'the hardest unresolved topic' in the talks. Reports indicate that Iran emphasizes its right to research advanced centrifuges at the Fordow site in the Lausanne negotiations and demands the immediate lifting of all sanctions imposed by the Security Council, the United States, and the European Union. Additionally, the Associated Press reported on Thursday, April 6, citing 'Western officials close to the details of the nuclear negotiations,' that the U.S. is likely to allow Iran to maintain hundreds of active centrifuges at the underground enrichment site in Fordow, while limiting its centrifuge activities at other nuclear facilities in return. On the other hand, reports suggest that the United States is seeking a gradual lifting of sanctions in exchange for sustained action from Tehran. However, France is calling for a 'symbolic lifting' of sanctions that have been imposed on Tehran over the years. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, has stated that the lifting of sanctions must be 'part of the nuclear negotiations' with the 5+1 countries and should be in immediate conjunction with any agreement. Baidi-Nejad further noted that the 'sensitive issues' in the negotiations between Iran and the 5+1 group are 'very interconnected.' He referred to efforts to find solutions for the 'main issues' of disagreement between the parties 'in the form of a package,' adding, 'At that time, we can say we have passed this stage and entered the stage of drafting an agreement.' He considered 'achieving this goal' possible by Sunday and added, 'The Islamic Republic of Iran has shown the necessary flexibility, and now our counterpart must make their final decision in coordination with each other.' Iranian officials have repeatedly emphasized that reaching an agreement on Iran's nuclear file depends on the political will of the other side. Meanwhile, Barack Obama, the President of the United States, and Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany, have urged Iran to make the necessary decisions to reach a comprehensive agreement regarding its nuclear program. In this context, the negotiators in Lausanne are preparing to potentially announce the results of the discussions, with hopes that Rouhani's contacts indicate Iran's readiness to make difficult decisions. Alan Ir: 'We are trying to reach a political agreement before the set deadline.'