LATEST: US Officials Praise “Intense, Candid” Talks

WEDNESDAY FEATURE

Spotlight: How US Talks to Tehran…While Calling It A “Failed Totalitarian State”

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SUMMARY: Delegations from both Iran and the 5+1 Powers have spoken of productive talks after the first day of discussions in Geneva on Tehran’s nuclear program.

Michael Mann, the spokesperson for the 5+1’s lead negotiator Catherine Ashton, said the Iranian presentation of its proposal — delivered by Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in the morning — was “very useful”.

Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, the lead negotiator for Tehran, said ensuing talks in the afternoon were “very positive”.

On Tuesday night Araqchi met for 30 minutes with his American counterpart Wendy Sherman, and the Iranians had other bilateral discussions, including with the Russians.

No details were given about the Iranian proposals, offered in a PowerPoint titled “Closing an Unnecessary Crisis, and Opening New Horizons”.

However, Tehran was expected to present a sequenced timetable in which Iran’s suspension of enrichment of 20% uranium, with inspections and supervision, would be matched to recognition of its right to enrich to 5% and removal of major sanctions.

A “senior State Department official” indicated that the principle of the proposals had been accepted for development: “For the first time, we had very detailed technical discussions.”


Latest Updates, Most Recent First

US Officials Praise “Intense, Candid” Talks

From Britain’s Channel 4 News:

Another official said:

I’ve been doing this now for about two years. And I have never had such intense, detailed, straightforward, candid conversations with the Iranian delegation before.

Although there remain many differences in each area, and what sanctions relief might be appropriate, specific and candid discussions took place.

The official cautioned, “There is more work, much more work to do. This is a beginning. Beginnings are rarely groundbreaking because you are putting pieces on the table.”

Iran Deputy FM Talks to Israel Radio About Living in Peace

Another telling sign of changing relations?

Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, Iran’s lead nuclear negotiator spoke with a reporter from Israel Radio in Geneva: “Any agreement reached will open new horizons in [our] relations with all states.”

Asked by Gideon Kutz if Israel would be able to live in peace with a nuclear deal between Iran and the 5+1 Powers, Araqchi said “Yes”.

Kutz said he was wearing an Israel Radio press badge and that the nature of his questions” made his identity as an Israeli journalist obvious to Araqchi.

Talks End on Positive Note, Agreement to Reconvene on Nov. 7-8

The two-day Geneva discussions on Iran’s nuclear program have ended on a positive note, with a statement from the 5+1 Powers:

Nuclear, scientific, and sanctions experts from Iran and the 5+1 will now discuss technical details, before the high-level discussions resume on November 7-8 in Geneva.

Head of Armed Forces: We Can Help US Reshape Region

The head of Tehran’s armed forces, General Hassan Firouzabadi, has put out an interesting message in support of engagement: “Iran’s diplomacy can help the US & Iran reshape the region.”

Zarif: I’m Expecting 2nd Round Talks In Geneva In A Few Weeks

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif writes on his Facebook page that he is expecting second round talks in Geneva in a few weeks time.

Zarif said he and the lead negotiator for the 5+1 Powers, Catherine Ashton, will be at this afternoon’s concluding session of the current discussions. He added:

Reaching a deal is a hard work. Detailed discussions need much precision and time.

We should not expect to fully resolve mistrust with just one positive and constructive meeting.

Russian Sources: Iran Might Consider Reducing The Number Of Centrifuges

Russia’s RIA Novosti is citing a source from the Iranian delegation in Geneva as saying that Tehran could consider reducing the number of centrifuges it has operating, in return for a reduction of sanctions.

RIA quotes the source as saying, “Iran is not going to give up enrichment under any circumstances. Excepting the temporary suspension of enrichment up to 20% percent, we may consider the option of reducing the number of centrifuges. However, this requires specific steps on the part of our opponents, which so far we do not see.”

Deputy FM Araqchi: Possibility of Iran Accepting Additional Protocols But Not Now

Netanyahu: Maintain Sanctions to Make Iran Concede

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issues his verdict on the negotiations in Geneva:

Ahwaz News Agency Unblocked After 15 Months

Another sign of loosening censorship in Iran?

Iranian authorities have been sensitive about activism and protest in Ahwaz, a largely-Arab area in southern Iran.

Iran Says It Will Observe Additional Protocol to Non-Proliferation Treaty

Iran’s lead nuclear negotiator Abbas Araqchi has said that Tehran’s proposals include observation of the Additional Protocol to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, according to the Iranian Students News Agency.

Under the Additional Protocol, the International Atomic Energy Agency can establish a more rigorous system of inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities.

The inspections could include access to the military base at Parchin, a leading point of tension in recent months between Iran and the West. The US and its allies claim that Parchin may have hosted a high-pressure container used for testing material for a nuclear weapon.

Iran observed the Additional Protocol from 2003 to 2006, but it was never ratified by Parliament.