The ‘September Document’: Tehran’s latest diplomatic dance with Washington

By
Staff Writer
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Years of seemingly stagnant talks between Iran and the U.S., punctuated by Tehran's reluctance to renegotiate the 2015 nuclear deal, have raised eyebrows globally.
Years of seemingly stagnant talks between Iran and the U.S., punctuated by Tehran's reluctance to renegotiate the 2015 nuclear deal, have raised eyebrows globally.

Years of seemingly stagnant talks between Iran and the U.S., punctuated by Tehran's reluctance to renegotiate the 2015 nuclear deal, have raised eyebrows globally.

 

In the ever-twisting saga of Iran’s nuclear aspirations, the latest act reveals Tehran’s new card – the “September Document.” Spearheaded by Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iran’s Foreign Minister, this document has been proposed as a significant turning point in the fraught negotiations surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Many question the genuine intent behind this new initiative, given the longstanding impasse. However, a recent series of informal agreements between the U.S. and the Iranian regime might hint at a shifting dynamic. These agreements tackle issues like the release of hostages and the unlocking of Iranian funds frozen in Iraq and South Korea. With this, Tehran seems to signal its renewed commitment to nuclear talks, which have been in a deadlock since 2022.

An encouraging move was Iran’s decision to reduce its enriched uranium stockpile to 3,795.5 kilograms in August, a notable drop from July’s figures. This step, timed with the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) imminent Board of Governors session, reflects Tehran’s aim to steer clear of any negative reports from the IAEA.

 

 

With the JCPOA provisions on missile-related sanctions and some sunset clauses set to lapse next October, Iran’s move is a strategic attempt to avoid renewing or imposing additional sanctions. This gives a glimpse into the clerical regime’s long-term game – to negotiate a deal beyond the JCPOA with the U.S.

But, despite Tehran’s outward dismissal of direct negotiations with Washington, behind-the-scenes conversations are ongoing. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has opted for discreet channels, leveraging intermediaries like Qatar and Oman. The “September Document,” as spotlighted by FM Amir-Abdollahian, pertains to the final draft presented by the EU’s Joseph Borrell in the summer.

Yet, Khamenei’s aspirations for concrete assurances from the Biden administration face a formidable challenge. Given the nuances of U.S. governance, any administration’s decisions cannot bind its successors. With the Republicans holding a majority in the House and even Democrats expressing reservations, the “September Document” seems a tenuous proposition.

The regime’s ultimate demand of full U.S. sanctions relief further distances this possibility. Without significant U.S. concessions to show their domestic supporters, the regime risks the “September Document” meeting the fate of previous overtures.

 

 

But beyond these diplomatic moves lies a deeper undercurrent. Post the 2022 uprisings, Tehran is attempting to project stability, aiming to buoy its supporter base. However, internal fissures are evident. A significant example is the recent shutdown of the state-run Entekhab website after it criticized Ebrahim Raisi’s foreign policy, highlighting Iran’s ousting from the UN Commission on the Status of Women, among other setbacks.

The regime’s shaky ground is clear, with insiders and even state-controlled media increasingly criticizing its moves. As the complexities of the “September Document” and the broader nuclear talks unfold, the global community watches closely, with many wondering if Tehran’s new initiative is merely a fresh guise for its old games.

 

 

 

MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI  (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu

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