Iran’s ultraconservative President Ebrahim Raisi came to power a year ago amid attempts to revive a 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.
The accord gave Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme to guarantee that it could not develop an atomic weapon — something it has always denied seeking.
Former US president Donald Trump dumped the deal in 2018 and began reimposing painful economic sanctions, prompting Iran to start stepping back from its commitments.
In April 2021, with President Joe Biden in the White House, talks on rescuing the accord began in Vienna.
Read more: British spy chief questions Iran’s commitment towards nuclear deal
But they have stalled since March amid differences between Tehran and Washington on several issues.
Here are the main developments over the past year:
Raisi firm on sanctions
As he is sworn in by the parliament on August 5, 2021, Raisi says Tehran backs any diplomatic moves to lift US sanctions, but will not bow to pressure.
Talks on reviving the nuclear deal resume in November after a pause around Iran’s presidential polls.
Iran says its delegation “is in Vienna with a firm determination to reach an agreement”.
Iran’s red lines
February 2022 sees expressions of optimism from the parties to the talks, but Russia’s invasion of Ukraine slows the issue down later in the month.
On March 16, Tehran says two of its “red line” issues remain outstanding.
On March 21, US State Department spokesman Ned Price says an agreement “is neither imminent nor is it certain”.
The United States and Iran, after months of stalled negotiations, may finally be close to a nuclear deal. But even if they reach an agreement, deterrence will be necessary to prevent Tehran from achieving nuclear weapons capability, writes @AmbDennisRoss. https://t.co/rpxBgeIEZC
— Foreign Affairs (@ForeignAffairs) July 28, 2022
On March 30, Washington announces new sanctions targeting several entities it says are involved in procuring supplies for Iran’s ballistic missile programme.
Tehran says the move shows US “ill will” towards the Iranian people.
On May 25, the US point man on Iran Rob Malley warns “the odds of a successful negotiation are lower than the odds of failure.”
IAEA condemnation
On June 8, the IAEA adopts a resolution submitted by Britain, France, Germany and the United States that condemns Iran for the first time in two years.
Iran responds by removing surveillance cameras at nuclear facilities.
IAEA head Rafael Grossi says Tehran’s move could be “a fatal blow” to negotiations.
Read more: US: No progress on Iran nuclear deal during talks
Germany, Britain and France urge Iran to “cease its nuclear escalation”, while US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warns of “a deepening nuclear crisis”.
New US sanctions
On June 16, Washington sanctions a network of Iranian petrochemical firms, as well as alleged front companies in China and the United Arab Emirates.
Raisi condemns the sanctions, while the foreign ministry says the “train has still not derailed” in the negotiations.
The UAE urges Iran to provide reassurances on the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme.
No progress at Qatar talks
In late June, two days of EU-brokered indirect talks in Doha between Iran and the United States conclude with “no progress made”, the State Department says.
Britain, France and Germany urge Iran to accept a deal on the table since March and reverse steps away from compliance with the IAEA.
Early the next month, Iran says the United States bears responsibility for the failure of the Doha negotiations.
Read more: Iran: Nuclear talks are still ongoing
On a visit to Jerusalem, Biden on July 14 vows to use “all” American power to stop Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The next day, Iran says it is “more determined” to protect its own interests in the negotiations.
On July 25, it says it will not be rushed into a “quick” deal.
Dangerous nuclear crisis
On July 26, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell says he has submitted a draft text of a deal, urging parties to accept it or “risk a dangerous nuclear crisis”, writing in the Financial Times.
On August 1, Iran says it remains “optimistic” that the negotiation process will lead to “a logical and reasonable outcome”.
AFP with additional input by GVS News Desk