Wendy Sherman: Araghchi is a Highly Capable Negotiator; Final Decision Rests with Trump

Tehran - BORNA - Wendy Sherman, the former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and a member of the JCPOA negotiating team, further stated that Abbas Araghchi holds significant credibility with Iran’s Leader and is a very serious adversary; therefore, the negotiations will be extremely difficult.

Regarding the ongoing negotiations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States, she told CNN’s Fareed Zakaria: "The U.S. is pushing and maintaining the military option simultaneously; the final decision rests with Trump as to what he wants."

Sherman stated that "the main disagreement is over the right to enrichment, strict inspections, and Iran's missile program," adding that any agreement might face pressure from Israel and the U.S. Congress, and its acceptance is not guaranteed.

She continued by saying that negotiations are time-consuming and it is unclear if Trump is willing to spend that time. She noted that in the event of war or instability in Iran, there is a possibility of the IRGC gaining more power and conditions becoming even harder.

Araghchi’s Response to Enrichment and Missile Program Disputes

Sherman’s remarks regarding the dispute over enrichment rights and Iran’s missile program come as Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, our country’s Foreign Minister, emphasized on Sunday that "enrichment is Iran’s right," stating: "Military posturing does not intimidate us; we are people of diplomacy; we are people of war—not in the sense that we seek war, but rather we are prepared for war to defend ourselves against aggression."

Iran’s Foreign Minister, referring to the nuclear issue, expressed: "Iran paid a very high price to have a peaceful nuclear program and enrichment, partly due to the country’s needs. Why did we enrich and why are we not ready to give it up? Because no one has the right to tell us why we should not have it. This is our right, according to the law. Why have they been saying for years that you don't have the right to enrich? Because they are worried."

Araghchi also emphasized that "zero enrichment" cannot be accepted by the Iranian side. According to him, enrichment is and will be for peaceful purposes, and Tehran has no problem with confidence-building, but the principle of enrichment must certainly be accepted.

Furthermore, Araghchi stated: "The missile issue is off the negotiating agenda. The subject of the negotiation is nuclear, and it will continue in the same manner."

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