Financial Times: Washington and Tehran Move Toward a “Technical” Nuclear Agreement — Missiles Off the Table
Limited talks aimed at averting war and curbing escalation in the Gulf
NYN | Reports and Analyses
The British newspaper Financial Times, citing informed diplomatic sources, has revealed that the United States and Iran are preparing to launch an anticipated round of negotiations that will, in its initial phase, be limited exclusively to Iran’s nuclear program. The move is aimed at defusing an imminent military confrontation between the two sides.
Separating the Tracks: Nuclear First
The sources confirmed that the expected talks will not include Iran’s ballistic missile program or its regional activities—issues that Tehran has long regarded as non-negotiable red lines. This approach, they noted, reflects U.S. acceptance of what is known as “track separation” in order to ensure the launch of dialogue without political or sovereignty-related obstacles.
A U.S. Concession to Avoid Early Deadlock
According to the newspaper, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to confine the negotiations to the technical nuclear framework, recognizing that raising defense and deterrence issues at the outset could derail the talks before they even begin, particularly given the sensitivity of the missile capabilities file for Iran.
Tehran: Missiles Are a Deterrent, Not a Bargaining Chip
This leak coincides with statements by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in which he affirmed that Iran is open to a “fair and equitable agreement” based on mutual respect, stressing that Iran’s missile capabilities constitute a defensive deterrent and are not subject to bargaining or negotiation.
Trump: Our Goal Is to Prevent a Nuclear Bomb
For his part, the U.S. president noted that the Iranians are “speaking more seriously” at the current stage, explaining that his administration’s primary objective is to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. This, he said, enhances the prospects for reaching a limited technical agreement that could help ease regional tensions, particularly in the Gulf.
Political Reading: A Diplomatic Gain for Tehran
Analysts believe that this fragmented negotiating approach represents a success for Iranian diplomacy, as Tehran has managed to neutralize the ballistic missile file from the nuclear negotiating table. This grants it broader room for maneuver and confines Western pressure to the nuclear framework without touching its defensive capabilities.
