TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Iran’s Supreme Leader ayatollah Ali khamenei publicly rejected direct negotiations with the United States to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, a move that significantly complicates efforts to prevent the reimposition of international sanctions.The declaration, made Thursday, comes as a deadline looms for a diplomatic resolution.
The rejection throws into jeopardy the possibility of averting a “snapback” of sanctions, a mechanism built into the original agreement designed to be veto-proof at the united Nations. Unless a deal is reached this week,those sanctions are set to automatically resume on Sept. 28, further crippling Iran’s economy and possibly escalating regional tensions. The move impacts not only Iran,but also global efforts to contain its nuclear program and maintain stability in the Middle East.The “snapback” process was triggered by the United States at the end of August. European nations have indicated a willingness to extend the 30-day deadline if Iran were to resume direct talks with the U.S., grant access to its nuclear sites for U.N. inspectors, and provide accounting for its enriched uranium stockpile-currently exceeding 400 kilograms, according to the U.N. watchdog.
Resumption of sanctions would freeze Iranian assets held abroad, halt arms deals with Tehran, and impose penalties on the growth of Iran’s ballistic missile program. The 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Extensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), limited Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. The U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the agreement in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump, leading Iran to gradually roll back its commitments.