US-Iran disagreement over talks: Tehran absent because of attacks, Washington says talks are ongoing

The recent tensions between the United States and Iran over their ongoing negotiations have escalated, revealing deep divisions over the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal. According to reports from Greek media outlets such as Proto Thema and SKAI, the disagreement centers around whether the talks are still proceeding as planned or have been effectively halted due to mutual accusations and actions taken by both sides.

Iran has reportedly withdrawn from scheduled technical discussions with the U.S., citing recent attacks against its interests and the failure of the U.S. to fulfill key terms outlined in the agreement. These claims were voiced by Mehdi Fazaili, a member of the Office of the Supreme Leader’s Works Preservation and Publication, who stated during a state television appearance that one of the reasons for the withdrawal was the lack of access to “declassified funds.” He emphasized that without this access, certain conditions of the agreement had not been met.

In contrast, the U.S. government maintains that the negotiations are continuing according to schedule. A senior American official confirmed that the technical talks aimed at implementing the JCPOA remain on track, despite Iran's absence from the current session. This statement came after recent diplomatic meetings held in Switzerland under the leadership of Vice President Jake Vanes, where the two sides continued to engage in dialogue regarding the resolution of outstanding issues.

The situation has become even more complex following the exchange of fire between the two nations, which has tested the fragile peace established through the JCPOA. President Donald Trump warned that further Iranian attacks could lead to new military action, while Tehran has threatened to halt all diplomatic efforts if the U.S. continues to violate the terms of the agreement. The JCPOA, signed earlier this month, includes provisions for the resumption of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, easing some economic sanctions, and establishing a framework for future negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program.

Meanwhile, the Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghani, issued a call to regional countries not to allow their territory or infrastructure to be used for attacks against Iran. During his visit to Baghdad, he met with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Faleh al-Zaidi, discussing broader diplomatic efforts to end what Tehran calls "a war imposed by the U.S. and Israel." Araghani stressed the importance of maintaining peace and security in the region, particularly by preventing the use of local resources for acts of aggression against Iran.

Despite these tensions, there are signs of cautious optimism. On Monday, flights between Tehran and Dubai are set to resume after several weeks of suspension linked to the conflict in the Middle East and Iranian strikes in the Gulf. The director of Imam Khomeini International Airport, Ramin Kasefar, announced that necessary measures had been taken to restore the connection, emphasizing the need to strengthen air links along heavily traveled routes.

These developments highlight the delicate balance between diplomacy and confrontation in the region. While the U.S. insists that negotiations are progressing, Iran remains skeptical, pointing to perceived violations and threats of retaliation. As the situation evolves, the international community will likely watch closely to see how these dynamics unfold, especially given the potential implications for regional stability and global trade.