Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has called on the United States to abandon what he termed a ‘totalitarian’ stance in negotiations over the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal. Speaking publicly on Tuesday, Raisi emphasized that the U.S. must adopt a more flexible approach to ensure progress in the talks. His remarks come as diplomatic efforts to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) have stalled amid ongoing disagreements over sanctions and Iran’s nuclear program.
The JCPOA, which limited Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief, was effectively abandoned by the U.S. in 2018 under the Trump administration. President Biden’s administration has expressed willingness to re-enter the agreement but has insisted Iran must first comply with its original terms. Analysts note that Raisi’s comments reflect Iran’s frustration with the U.S. position, which Tehran views as inflexible.
Sources familiar with the negotiations suggest that both sides remain far apart on key issues, including the pace of sanctions relief and Iran’s uranium enrichment levels. ‘The U.S. is demanding more than Iran is willing to offer, and Iran is doing the same,’ one analyst said. ‘This stalemate benefits neither party but prolongs regional instability.’
Looking ahead, Raisi’s remarks could signal a hardening of Iran’s position ahead of upcoming talks. Regional experts warn that without significant concessions from both sides, the prospects for a renewed nuclear deal appear increasingly dim.