Iran cornered: No Plan B as nuclear talks near collapse

As nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States face increasing uncertainty, Iranian officials have voiced concerns over Tehran’s lack of a contingency strategy should talks collapse.

According to a Reuters report, internal divisions and external pressures — particularly the limited support available from China and Russia — have left Iran without a clear path forward if discussions break down.

Despite signals from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissing US demands as excessive, officials cited by Reuters warned that without sanctions relief, Iran’s economy cannot recover. While there is speculation that Tehran may lean on its alliances with Beijing and Moscow, analysts suggest such a pivot may offer little more than symbolic support amid global instability.

Reuters noted that major sticking points remain, including enriched uranium stockpiles and Iran’s missile program.

The report also underscored that any potential deal would likely require concrete steps from both sides before the expiration of the current UN resolution this October.

On Tuesday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei cast significant doubt on the prospects of achieving a breakthrough in nuclear talks with the United States, amidst an ongoing diplomatic stalemate over Tehran’s uranium enrichment activities, AFP reported.

“We don’t think it will lead to any outcome. We don’t know what will happen,” Khamenei declared during a speech, firmly asserting that denying Iran’s right to enrich uranium constitutes “a big mistake.”

However, Khamenei directly addressed US negotiators, cautioning, “The American side involved in these indirect negotiations should refrain from speaking nonsense.”

Iran currently enriches uranium to 60 percent, significantly surpassing the 3.67-percent limit stipulated in the 2015 agreement and inching closer to the 90 percent needed for a nuclear warhead. While Western nations accuse Iran of seeking atomic weapons, Tehran maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

Iran’s Foreign Minister and lead negotiator Abbas Araghchi previously affirmed that “enrichment in Iran, however, will continue with or without a deal.”