Description: Reports indicated that US – Iran nuclear program negotiations have entered the expert level phase. The statement meant that nuclear experts with high levels of knowledge on the matter would soon be included in the active and ongoing negotiations between US Middle East Special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. So far positive signals from both the US and Iranian camps were noted, as both sides expressed further willingness to engage in discussing Iran’s disputed nuclear enrichment in return for the US lift on excruciating economic sanctions. Iran and the US have so far met twice in Muscat, Oman and in Rome, Italy, which marked the first diplomatic engagement between the two countries since the US abandonment of the 2015 JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) agreement. Russian President Vladimir Putin met on the same day with Omani leader, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al – Said and stated that Russia remained involved and invested in the negotiations. Both countries are set to meet in Oman again on Saturday, 26 Apr.
Impact: The announcement concerning the US – Iran negotiations entering expert level phase stipulates positive outcomes from both meetings between the countries so far. Despite those positive signals, it could also mean that both sides have not yet engaged in sensitive diplomatic subjects which would touch upon concessions that would have to be made by both countries. So far both diplomatic camps have been silent regarding the specifics of the meetings, which complements the previous conclusion that neither camp has made any structured progress so far. The tepid level of information from the meetings also signals a reserved approach from both the US and Iran, as a potential fallout from the negotiations could lead to a regional crisis with global ramifications. Russia’s involvement in the negotiations emphasized by Putin’s meeting with the Omani leader, stressed the high level of diplomatic efforts involved in the negotiations, with China reportedly also having invested interests. Trump wants to avoid prolonged discussions and reach a deal quickly, however, Iran has so far signaled that such a sensitive matter wouldn’t be rushed at any cost despite brewing military threats from both Israel and the US.