Russian requirement for an end to sanctions not in U.S. interest.
Negotiations to restore the Iran nuclear deal broke off Friday with no agreement, and with no clear timetable for renewing them. Although a draft agreement is practically ready, Russia’s new request that sanctions imposed over Ukraine will not limit Moscow’s ability to conduct trade with Iran has complicated the situation.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman said the “pause” in Vienna talks could be momentum for resolving any remaining issue. “Successful conclusion of talks will be the main focus of all. No external factor will affect our joint will to go forward for a collective agreement.”
In April 2021, the U.S. and Iran agreed there would be no direct talks between the two countries. In January 2022, Washington said it is ready to hold direct talks with Iranian officials, saying it would be “more productive.”
A bipartisan group in the House of Representatives is concerned that a new Iran deal would not be tough enough on the Islamic Republic and they have written a letter to President Biden saying the deal “would be providing a clear path for Iranian proxies to continue fueling terrorism.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for U.S. officials involved in nuclear treaty negotiations.
- For U.S. and allied nations as they consider the various aspects of the proposed nuclear agreement.
- For the president and his policy advisors to seek God’s guidance in dealing with Iran.
Sources: New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Axios, Radio Free Europe
