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by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Nuclear talks between Iran and the United States concluded on Sunday with no breakthrough, as both sides remained entrenched in their positions over uranium enrichment. However, they confirmed plans for further negotiations in the near future.

This round marked the fourth meeting between the two countries since discussions resumed a month ago, following Washington’s withdrawal from the landmark 2015 nuclear deal during President Donald Trump’s first term. These talks represented the highest-level contact between the two adversaries since that decision.

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, described the meeting as “difficult but useful,” emphasizing that it helped to “better understand each other’s positions and to find reasonable and realistic ways to address the differences.” Baqaei also reiterated that Iran would push for relief from U.S. sanctions in the negotiations.

The U.S. has demanded that Iran halt its uranium enrichment, calling it a “red line.” Iran, however, maintains that its right to enrich uranium is “non-negotiable.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who led Tehran’s delegation, told reporters ahead of the meeting that “enrichment capability is one of the honors” of Iran.

The central issue remains Iran’s uranium enrichment program. Tehran currently enriches uranium to 60% purity, far above the 3.67% limit set by the 2015 deal. This level of enrichment brings Iran a step closer to the 90% purity required for weapons-grade material. While Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, many Western countries, including the United States, have expressed concerns that Iran may be pursuing nuclear weapons.

On the U.S. side, Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, reaffirmed that Iran’s enrichment facilities must be dismantled. In a Friday interview, Witkoff said, “That’s our red line. No enrichment. That means dismantlement. It means no weaponization.” He specifically pointed to Iran’s key enrichment sites in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan, saying they “have to be dismantled.”

The talks come amid a flurry of diplomatic activity, including President Trump’s upcoming Middle East tour. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, speaking in Jerusalem on Sunday, supported the U.S. position on Iran’s enrichment capabilities. Sa’ar stated that Iran’s nuclear facilities “must be dismantled” to prevent the regime from acquiring “the world’s most dangerous weapon.” He echoed Witkoff’s comments, emphasizing that “enrichment facilities have to be dismantled” for any deal to be credible.

Despite occasional differences, Sa’ar also affirmed the strong relationship between Israel and the U.S.. “We are coordinated,” he said, noting the deep cooperation between the two countries on regional issues.

As the talks continue, Iran remains firm on its stance, with Araghchi stating, “If the goal of these talks is to ensure the non-acquisition of nuclear weapons, an agreement is possible. However, if the aim is to limit Iran’s nuclear rights, Iran will never retreat from its rights.”

The outcome of these talks remains critical not only for U.S.-Iran relations but for broader regional stability. Iran’s nuclear ambitions, coupled with its volatile rhetoric toward Israel, continue to be a flashpoint in the Middle East.

The United States and Israel share a deep concern over Iran’s nuclear capabilities, with Israel’s leadership remaining skeptical of the talks, calling for the dismantling of all Iranian nuclear facilities and the cessation of its ballistic missile program.

MILITARY PREPARED IF DIPLOMACY FAILS

If diplomacy fails, the United States, along with Israel, is prepared to proceed with military action against the Iranian nuclear program, as the Pentagon has deployed two carrier strike groups in the region, along with the build-up of fighter jets, bombers, and support aircraft positioned near Iran. The U.S. also deployed additional air defense systems in Israel in the event a war broke out with Iran.

IRAN’S NUCLEAR AMBITIONS CONNECTED TO PROPHECY?

While the West often views Iran’s nuclear program through a secular lens, the spiritual aspect, which plays a central role in driving Iran’s nuclear ambitions, should not be overlooked. Iran is the only country where Twelver Shi’ism is the state religion.

Twelver Shīʿism, the largest branch of Shīʿa Islam, makes up about 85% of Shīʿas. “Twelver” signifies belief in twelve divinely appointed leaders, the Twelve Imams, with the last, Imam al-Mahdi, expected to return as the Mahdi. Twelvers see the Imams as Muhammad’s spiritual and political successors, guiding with justice and interpreting the inner meanings of the Qur’an and Islamic law. They are viewed as infallible (Ismah) and divinely chosen (nass).

The Twelvers believe that the Mahdi is expected to appear in times of extreme chaos, returning alongside Jesus as a messiah to bring peace and establish Islam globally.

Twelver beliefs, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and threats toward Israel and the West have raised concerns. Critics suggest that Iran’s Supreme Leader might incite conflict to hasten the 12th Imam’s arrival. Former Iranian President Ahmadinejad has even called for the Imam’s return at the UN, asserting that the Islamic Revolution’s primary goal is to prepare for his reappearance.

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