Iran and the US hint at possible reduction of “nuclear tension,” reports Reuters

Tehran and Washington on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, signaled a reduction in tensions over nuclear program issues. Iran confirmed that it has no intentions to create nuclear weapons, and the US expressed a desire to resume negotiations, Reuters reports.

Truce Seen in Statements

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, speaking at the UN General Assembly, emphasized that creating a nuclear bomb is not part of the country’s plans. Following his speech, US President Donald Trump’s special representative Steve Witkoff noted that America has no intention of harming Tehran.

Witkoff’s statement that the US is ready for dialogue confirms the desire to engage Iran in the negotiation process: “Why not communicate? We hold discussions with everyone, it’s our task to find solutions.”

Obstacles to Negotiations

Despite the previous five rounds of negotiations between Tehran and Washington before the 12-day conflict with Israel in June, constructive dialogue has stalled. The main contentious issue remains uranium enrichment in Iran — something Western states want to reduce to zero to minimize the risk of weapon creation. Iran, in turn, acknowledged that Washington “betrayed diplomacy,” resulting in the cessation of nuclear discussions.

According to information from Iranian sources, several messages have been sent through intermediaries to Washington in recent weeks with a proposal to resume negotiations, but no response has followed.

Leaders Deny Possibility of Talks

On Tuesday, September 23, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who has the decisive voice in foreign policy and nuclear program issues, rejected ideas of negotiations with the States. At the same time, the US, its European allies, and Israel point to the assumption that Tehran is using its nuclear program as a means to acquire nuclear weapons. Iran is working to demonstrate that its nuclear developments are purely peaceful.

European Position and Potential Sanctions

On August 28, the E3 group — the UK, France, and Germany — initiated the process of restoring UN sanctions, which should be completed by September 27. The countries accused Iran of non-compliance with the 2015 agreements aimed at preventing the development of nuclear weapons.

Chance to Delay Sanctions

European states reported their intention to delay the imposition of sanctions for up to six months if Iran provides UN inspectors access to nuclear facilities, resolves issues with enriched uranium stockpiles, and begins discussions with the US. However, given the current threats from Washington and disappointments from negotiations, the likelihood of successful outcomes remains extremely low.

French President Emmanuel Macron noted after a meeting with an Iranian official that Tehran still has a chance to avoid international sanctions, but no concrete proposals have been made so far.

Next Steps and Consequences

As reported by two European diplomats, on Wednesday, September 24, Iran, the E3, and the EU held a new round of negotiations. An agreement must be reached by September 27, or all previous UN sanctions will be reinstated. This will include an arms embargo, bans on uranium enrichment, restrictions on ballistic missiles, asset freezes, and travel bans for Iranian citizens.