Iran Seeks Nuclear Curbs for Sanction Relief Amid Inspection Talks

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has expressed Tehran's readiness to accept strict limits on its nuclear program and uranium enrichment in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions. This offer comes amid escalating tensions as the European trio of France, Germany, and the UK activated a UN mechanism to reinstate sanctions due to Iran's non-compliance with prior nuclear commitments. Araghchi emphasized that missing this opportunity could lead to unprecedentedly destructive consequences for the region and beyond and urged European nations to reconsider their hardline stance, warning that reimposing sanctions would isolate Europe and place the US in control of future negotiations. Progress has been made in talks with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) over resumed inspections of Iran's nuclear sites, although Tehran has yet to disclose details about uranium stockpiles enriched near weapons-grade levels. Meanwhile, Iran's parliament is debating legislation that could see Iran exit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if sanctions return, potentially halting independent inspections. The diplomatic standoff reflects broader geopolitical dynamics, including former President Trump's withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, which initially offered sanctions relief in return for curbs on Iran's nuclear activities.