Iranian sources have confirmed that the leadership in Tehran lacks a clear alternative plan should nuclear talks with Washington fail, amid escalating tensions over uranium enrichment.
Sources indicated that Iran may turn to China and Russia as a backup plan, but given the trade war between Beijing and Washington and Moscow's preoccupation with the war in Ukraine, this plan appears fragile and uncertain.
A senior Iranian official said the current strategy relies on avoiding escalation and strengthening ties with allies like Russia and China, while remaining prepared for self-defense. In contrast, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei described Washington's demands to ban uranium enrichment as "excessive and insulting," expressing doubts about the possibility of reaching an agreement.
These developments come after four rounds of talks aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. However, they faltered due to Tehran's refusal to give up its highly enriched uranium stockpile and its refusal to discuss its ballistic missile program, in addition to the lack of trust between the two sides.
The situation is further complicated by the US withdrawal from the nuclear agreement in 2018 and the reimposition of sanctions, which have severely impacted the Iranian economy. This comes amid internal crises related to energy and water shortages, a declining currency, and fears of a potential Israeli attack on nuclear facilities.
Officials emphasized that Tehran has no better option than reaching a new agreement to avoid an internal economic collapse that threatens its rule, given the ongoing US pressure campaign, which includes tightening sanctions and military threats.
For her part, former US negotiator Wendy Sherman said that dismantling Iran's nuclear program and abandoning enrichment is impossible, warning of the possibility of the crisis escalating into war, even though President Trump prefers to avoid conflict.
If the talks fail, Iran is expected to continue circumventing sanctions and selling oil, particularly to China, despite US pressure on Chinese tankers and companies. Analysts warn of the limited support Beijing and Moscow have for Tehran.
On the international level, France, Britain, and Germany have threatened to reimpose UN sanctions if a quick agreement is not reached, with the "snapback mechanism" due to be activated in October, increasing pressure on all parties to find a solution.
שתף את דעתך
Iran has no clear plan B amid stalled nuclear talks with Washington.