US Rules Out Resuming Nuclear Talks With Iran’s New President

On Monday, the White House ruled out the idea of resuming negotiations related to Iran’s civilian nuclear program despite the election of a new president who seeks a revival of the Iran nuclear deal, known as the JCPOA, which the Trump administration tore up in 2018.

On the campaign trail, President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian, considered a reformist in Iranian politics, vowed to work toward Western sanctions relief and favors the idea of engaging directly with the US.

Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, has noted that Iran seeking direct negotiations with the US in the context of another Trump presidency is a significant shift in Tehran’s policy. But it’s unlikely Pezeshkian will have a willing partner in negotiations since the White House has ruled out talks and a second Trump administration is not expected to soften its stance on Iran.