Reuters Tehran to unveil Plan B if nuclear talks fail
According to webangah News Agency, Reuters quoted three Iranian sources stating that disagreements over “red lines” in nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington have destabilized negotiations, prompting Iran to likely turn to China and Russia as its “Plan B.”
Reuters claimed these sources said: “Plan B involves continuing the pre-negotiation strategy. Iran will avoid escalating tensions but remains prepared to defend itself.” They added,”This strategy also includes strengthening ties with allies like Russia and China.”
Ayatollah Khamenei,Iran’s Supreme Leader,warned the U.S. yesterday against making what he called “baseless statements,” emphasizing: “american claims about not allowing uranium enrichment are entirely wrong. The Islamic Republic will pursue its own policies in this matter.”
Reuters noted that after four rounds of talks aimed at curbing iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief,key obstacles—including enrichment activities—remain unresolved.
Citing two Iranian officials and a European diplomat, Reuters reported Tehran refuses to transfer all its high-enriched uranium stockpiles abroad or discuss its missile program.
The lack of trust between parties—compounded by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s 2015 withdrawal from the JCPOA nuclear deal—has heightened Tehran’s demand for guarantees against future U.S.abandonment of any agreement.
Wendy Sherman, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State who led negotiations for the 2015 deal, stated: “Persuading Tehran to dismantle its nuclear program and abandon enrichment is impossible.”
Though not directly involved in current talks, France, Britain, and germany (the E3) have reportedly warned of reactivating UN sanctions against Iran if no deal is reached.
Under UNSCR 2231 tied to the JCPOA, these countries can trigger the so-called “snapback mechanism” until October 18 before it expires. European diplomats told Reuters they may activate it as early as August if important progress stalls.
