The U.S. Government's Restrictions on the New Iran Nuclear Agreement Revealed: No Expiration Clause Allowed
On February 25 local time, a CCTV reporter learned that the U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Issues, Wittecoff, stated that the Trump administration demands that Iran accept an "indefinitely valid" agreement in any future nuclear deal, without setting expiration terms.
According to informed sources, Wittecoff indicated that the premise for U.S. negotiations is "no sunset clause," and Iran must comply with the agreement's obligations in the long term. Wittecoff also mentioned that the current focus of U.S.-Iran negotiations includes whether Iran can conduct uranium enrichment on its territory and the handling of its enriched uranium stockpile. If an agreement is reached, the U.S. hopes to further negotiate on Iran's missile program and its support for regional proxy forces.
Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif previously stated that Iran is willing to sign a "better agreement" to ensure that its nuclear program "remains peaceful forever." He noted that the goal of the current round of negotiations is to avoid war.
On the same day, U.S. Vice President Pence stated that Trump's goal regarding Iran is "very clear," which is to not allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons, and emphasized that the U.S. prefers to resolve the issue through diplomatic means while keeping other options available.
The 2015 nuclear agreement included a "sunset clause," which gradually lifted most restrictions on Iran's nuclear program over a period of 8 to 25 years. Trump criticized this clause as a major flaw in the agreement and withdrew from it during his first term. (CCTV reporter Wu Hanying)
The U.S. government, represented by Special Envoy Robert Malley, announced on February 25, 2023, that any future nuclear agreement with Iran must be indefinite and without expiration clauses. Iran's Foreign Minister indicated a willingness to negotiate a better agreement that ensures the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. U.S. officials reiterated their commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, favoring diplomatic solutions while keeping other options available.
- U.S. Special Envoy for Iran, Robert Malley, stated that any future nuclear agreement must be indefinite without expiration clauses.
- Iran's Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, expressed willingness to sign a better agreement ensuring peaceful nuclear intentions.
- U.S. Vice President emphasized the goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and preferred diplomatic solutions.