The indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States on Iran’s nuclear program are taking place in Vienna after a long gap. And experts are not expecting much from the talks. The talks are being held at Coburg hotel between Iran, Russia, China, the UK, France, Germany and the EU, with the U.S. keeping a close watch on the outcome of the talks. (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/29/iran-and-world-powers-begin-vienna-talks-to-restore-nuclear-deal)

Then, what can one hope for from the talks that are only talking about restoring a deal signed by the US and Iran under Barack Obama’s regime only to be scrapped by former President Donald Trump? Six rounds of talks were held earlier this year, but they failed to yield the results.

What direction will Tehran take in its approach on the nuclear talks under the ultra-conservative President Ebrahim Raisi will become clearer. Even before the beginning of the talks, Raisi spoke about lifting the crippling sanctions against the country and other relaxations.

Some are questioning Iran’s seriousness as it has raised issues like financial compensation for previous sanctions. The guarantee that the U.S. will not renege on a deal it signs like it happened last time when Trump tore the deal and imposed more sanctions. Both, the experts say are deal breakers. But Iran could also be raising its stakes by raising such issues.

On the other hand, Iran may also be preparing for some concessions post-sanctions situation, according to some analysts. It has increased its oil output and is storing it with the hope that sanctions will be lifted and that it can go back to selling oil. (https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/iran/.premium-maybe-iran-really-does-want-to-renew-the-nuclear-deal-1.10422917)

President Joe Biden has shown his willingness to go back to the deal that was agreed upon previously. But he is also under pressure from countries like Israel which say that Iran would never honour its word on not pursuing nuclear weapons. (https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-vienna-talks-resume-israel-uk-say-theyre-working-jointly-to-block-nuclear-iran/)

Read more:

The 2015 deal:
https://www.expatica.com/at/money-management/iran-the-hard-won-2015-nuclear-deal-109790/

What the Iran nuclear deal means:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-33521655