Iran nuclear talks on hold for now as US, EU focus on protests
MENA region is expected to suffer more than most from the global slowdown partly caused by the Ukraine war.
Price: Iran protests in spotlight
US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said Oct. 12 that the nuclear talks are not the focus of US policy toward Iran, and that supporting the protesters is. Two days later, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Iranian activists about what more the US can do to support the protests, including internet access.
The take here all along has been, and remains, that Iran wants a deal, for the obvious economic windfall that would follow, and to provide some breathing space for its people. And the Biden administration wants a deal because it considers the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as the best means to prevent an Iranian nuclear weapon.
Now Iranian protesters, who have captured the attention of the world, are demanding more from leaders than just a return to the JCPOA. The US and the EU are exploring ways to support the protesters and censure those who are implicated in the violent crackdown on them following the death of Mahsa Amini while in custody for a hijab violation last month.
