As tensions between Iran and the United States reach their highest point in decades, fears of a larger conflict–potentially even World War 3–have gripped the international community. The current crisis, characterized by combative military actions, cyberattacks and an increasingly threatening rhetoric and rhetoric, has brought both countries towards the edge of a full-blown war.
But, in the midst of this escalate diplomats are looking at possibilities for talks. Iranian officials as well as U.S. representatives are meeting behind closed-doors to create the conditions necessary for direct talks that could help de-escalate the conflict and avoid a full-scale war.
Three Key Conditions for Talks:
- Removal of sanctions on Iran’s Economy Iranian government has called for the removal of all economic sanctions imposed by U.S. over the years that have hampered the economy of Iran. The restrictions have become a major source of contention during previous talks and are a major obstacle to peace. Iranian officials say that sanctions have increased unemployment, poverty and instability, which has led to the need for a complete relief plan as part of any agreement that might be reached.
“We cannot talk while the U.S. continues to strangle our economy,” declared Hassan Rouhani, Iran’s chief negotiator. “The U.S. must demonstrate sincerity by lifting the sanctions that have caused untold hardship to the Iranian people.”
- Garanties of Security and Sovereignty Iran is also seeking assurances that U.S. will not attempt to destabilize the region by forming alliances with other countries especially within areas like the Persian Gulf and Israel. Tehran believes that the military presence of Washington within the Gulf region to be a clear threat its sovereignty and influence within the region.
Mohammad Javad Zarif the Iranian foreign minister, has stated that “Any peace deal must ensure the security and sovereignty of Iran. This is because the U.S. has been meddling in our affairs for a long time and it must be stopped before negotiations can have any significance.”
- New Nuclear Framework New Nuclear Framework Another critical issue that is being discussed in the negotiations includes the Iranian nuclear programme. Following Trump’s U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal under the presidency of President Trump tensions regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions increased. Iran has demanded an updated and revised framework to monitor its nuclear activities. This allows the country to develop peaceful nuclear energy as well as ensuring that no nuclear weapons are being created.
“The nuclear issue is central to the talks,” said Ali Akbar Salehi who is the president of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization. “We are willing to allow comprehensive inspections, but the U.S. must also return to the deal and offer guarantees that this will be a diplomatic process, not a covert attempt to dismantle our peaceful nuclear program.”
The Stakes: A Global Conflict?
Experts warn that should these talks fail they could have consequences that are catastrophic. World War 3 is a growing worry as the military conflicts in the region intensify. This region Middle East has been for a long time a major geopolitical flashpoint that has seen two countries, Iran and the U.S. and Iran support for both sides in proxy conflicts in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.
“The stakes could not be higher,” said Dr. Martin Clarke, a geopolitical analyst. “If Iran and the U.S. are unable to resolve to de-escalate the situation, there could be an ongoing regional conflict which could escalate into a larger war that involves the world’s major powers. The whole world is monitoring these talks closely.”
As a response to the ever-growing risk of global war, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for urgent mediation efforts and urged both sides to sit down at the table to seek peace with diplomatic means.
“The world cannot afford another major war,” Guterres stated in the statement. “The U.S. and Iran must find common ground before the situation spirals out of control.”
Conclusion:
While both countries continue to talk in the midst of a global crisis, the world holds its breath. If these talks will prevent the escalation of the crisis remains to be seen however, experts believe that the outcome could determine the future of security in the world for years to in the future.