One week after the U.S. brokered a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, it’s unclear whether Washington and Tehran will return to the negotiating table.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi this week expressed doubts about a quick restart to the talks, noting that Tehran has to be sure Washington won’t launch another bombing raid.
“In order for us to decide to reengage, we will have to first ensure that America will not revert back to targeting us in a military attack during the negotiations,” Mr. Araghchi told CBS. “And I think with all these considerations, we still need more time.”
U.S. and Iranian negotiators were set to meet for the sixth time on June 15, but the talks were canceled amid Israeli missile strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure launched the week prior. According to reports, Israel’s bombing over the two-week conflict damaged Iran’s air defenses and nuclear enrichment sites.
Then came the American B-2 bunker-buster bombs that, said President Trump and the Pentagon, obliterated Iran’s enrichment facilities in Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz.
While Mr. Trump touted the strikes and Iran’s retaliation as the end of the conflict, he hasn’t ruled out further attacks if the Islamic Republic tries to enrich uranium. Mr. Arachchi has said such comments are standing in the way of further nuclear talks.
Meanwhile, Mr. Trump was angered by comments from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who declared victory over the U.S. and Israel. The president said that put an end to negotiating with Iran any further.
A possible ceasefire violation by Israel could also impede efforts to bring Iran back to the negotiating table. Iranian generals are reportedly skeptical of Israel’s ability to abide by last week’s ceasefire and are preparing to respond forcefully.
“These two regimes have shown no commitment to any international rules or norms, and this was proven to the world during the 12-day imposed war,” Maj. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi said, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency. “And since we seriously doubt the enemy’s commitment to its obligations, including the ceasefire, we are fully prepared to deliver a firm response in case of repeated aggression.”
The two nations did exchange rocket attacks following the announcement of the ceasefire last week after Israel said Iran launched a barrage that killed several Israelis. Iran said the missiles were launched before the ceasefire was signed.
Since the ceasefire, Iran also announced it will limit its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, which found that Iran was not upholding its nonproliferation obligations.
Iran’s Parliament last week passed a bill that would see the country’s Atomic Energy Organization sever all communications with the IAEA. The bill still needs approval from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council before it takes effect.
Without nuclear inspectors, it may be easier for Iran to intensify its enrichment program, which watchdogs say was nearing weapons-grade before the Iran-Israel war.
• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.