Iran nuclear talks intensify: US special envoy meets Israeli officials in Paris

On April 18, US Special Envoy Steven Witkoff is set to meet in Paris with Israeli intelligence chief David Barnea and Israel's Minister of Strategic Planning, Ron Dermer, as talks with Iran loom on the horizon.

This was revealed by Barak Ravid, a correspondent for the American news outlet Axios, who shared the information on his X social media page, citing sources within Israel.

According to Ravid’s post: “Ahead of the crucial nuclear deal talks with Iran in Rome, Minister Ron Dermer and Mossad Chief Barnea are heading to Paris to meet with White House envoy Steven Witkoff.”

The specifics of the discussions remain under wraps for now.

Earlier, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office reaffirmed the country’s unwavering stance: Iran will not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. Netanyahu’s statement emphasised his leadership in numerous operations, both covert and open, that have successfully kept Iran from obtaining nuclear capabilities.

Looking ahead, April 19 will see the second round of negotiations between Iran and the US in Rome, aimed at resolving the long-standing nuclear program disputes. Just last week, indirect talks took place in Muscat, Oman, between American and Iranian representatives, marking the first high-level contact between the two nations since 2022. These discussions, mediated by Oman, were intended to address tensions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Steven Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi led their respective delegations during the Oman talks. With tensions still high, US officials have expressed their readiness to take more aggressive steps if Iran rejects a deal.

By Tamilla Hasanova