Reactions to Extension of Nuclear Negotiations Inside Iran

On Wednesday, the IRNA news agency quoted an editorial from the daily newspaper Siyasat-e Rooz, stating that the only way for the nuclear negotiations between Iran and the 1+5 countries is for the U.S. to make concessions. The author believes that for the 1+5, especially the Americans, any agreement is better and more suitable than not reaching an agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran on the nuclear issue. The article also describes the claim that military options against Iran are on the table as a 'bluff' and unrealistic. The publication and re-publication of such articles in the official news agency of the Islamic Republic may indicate the existence of such viewpoints regarding the nuclear negotiations among some groups opposed to the government's approach in advancing these negotiations. Meanwhile, the warnings and red lines mentioned by Ayatollah Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, are also not without effect in spreading such beliefs. Another perspective on these negotiations is complete certainty about their failure. Hossein Shariatmadari, the editor-in-chief of the Kayhan newspaper, wrote in an editorial on Tuesday: 'It can be said with certainty that no agreement will be reached.' Reza Taghizadeh, a political analyst residing in London, believes that critics of the negotiations or pressure groups inside want to use the last remaining opportunities to prevent these talks from reaching a final agreement. However, he doubts that such comments at this stage can influence the negotiation process. Despite the red lines emphasized by the leader of the Islamic Republic regarding the nuclear negotiations, Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's foreign minister, stated on Tuesday, July 9, in Vienna that he has been given the authority to negotiate for a final agreement. According to IRNA, he also added that 'what is most needed is actually the political will of the other side.' The final deadline for reaching an agreement on Iran's nuclear program ended on Tuesday evening, July 9, but as indicated in scattered comments from negotiators in the days leading up to this deadline, Iran and the 1+5 have agreed to extend these negotiations until next Tuesday, July 16, 'to give enough time for negotiations to reach a long-term solution or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.' Meanwhile, the European Union has also extended the suspension of sanctions against Iran for another week.