‘This is Where the Negotiations Can End’: Iran Signals Opposition to Dismantling Nuclear and Missile Programs

Latest Developments

No ‘Libya-Style’ Agreement: An April 9 editorial in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-affiliated Javan newspaper stated that Iran would immediately end negotiations with the United States if “any discussion of Iran’s missile program” is tabled in the upcoming talks scheduled to begin in Oman on April 12. “This is where the negotiations can end, and perhaps America included it in the discussions for this very purpose, which is to make the negotiations fruitless!” the editorial stated. The editorial also eschewed a “Libya-style” complete dismantlement of Tehran’s nuclear program. It asserted that Iran could only agree to reduce its nuclear enrichment levels and allow more inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency in the event of “a complete removal of sanctions.”
Trump’s June 11 Deadline for Talks: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement on April 8 that he and President Donald Trump agreed to two options for disarming Iran’s nuclear program: either a comprehensive and verifiable agreement on the Libyan model, which would entail the destruction of its nuclear facilities “under American supervision with American execution,” or a military option should Iran “simply drag out talks.” Trump reportedly told Netanyahu during their meetings on April 7 that Iran would have 60 days from April 12 to reach an agreement.
Hardline Iranian Newspaper Threatens Trump: Iran’s hardline newspaper Kayhan, which is published under the supervision of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s office, issued threats against Trump, urging “revenge for the blood” of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps-Quds Force chief eliminated in a 2020 U.S. airstrike. Separately, Russia voiced support for Iran, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stating that “the world is growing tired of the endless threats against Iran.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on April 8 that Russia — Iran’s partner in the broader “Axis of Aggressors” — supported “direct and indirect” talks between Washington and Tehran

FDD Expert Response

“The United States and Israel are absolutely correct in demanding the full, verified, and permanent destruction of Iran’s proliferation-sensitive nuclear facilities and assets. The regime in Iran can no longer have continued access to capabilities to make fuel for, construct, and deliver atomic weapons. While Trump prefers a peaceful resolution, both he and Netanyahu have made crystal clear that America and Israel are prepared to eliminate Iran’s capabilities through force, if necessary.” — Andrea Stricker, Nonproliferation and Biodefense Program Deputy Director and Research Fellow

“As we get closer to negotiations, Tehran is defining the acceptable and unacceptable elements of a nuclear deal and magnifying hardline opposition to talks to force concessions from Washington. Iran’s negotiators want only limited arms control measures rather than a full disarmament or dismantlement of Tehran’s atomic infrastructure. Should they achieve this, it would be a significant win for the regime. The U.S. negotiating team must hold firm.” — Behnam Ben Taleblu, Iran Program Senior Director and Senior Fellow