Israel Sends Diplomats to Sidelines of Iran Nuclear Deal Talks in Vienna

Israel has been outspoken in its opposition to the talks

Israeli diplomats traveled to Vienna to meet with negotiators involved in the indirect talks between the US and Iran to revive the nuclear deal, known as the JCPOA.

Israel is outspoken in its opposition to the negotiations, and the presence of Israeli diplomats in Vienna is sure to irk Iran. The Israeli visit comes as participants in the talks are signaling an agreement could be reached soon.

On Tuesday, the Israeli delegation met with Russia’s envoy in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, and the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi. On Twitter, Ulyanov said he discussed “IAEA-related issues” with the Israelis.

According to The Jerusalem Post, the Israeli delegation plans to meet with officials from all of the countries involved in the talks, except for the Iranians. Officials from the US, China, Russia, Britain, France, Germany, and the EU are in Vienna for the negotiations.

On Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said a deal could be reached soon in Vienna if the US is serious about lifting the necessary sanctions on Iran. As the latest round of talks resumed, US officials said an agreement is “in sight” but also warned time is running out.

Author: Dave DeCamp

Dave DeCamp is the news editor of Antiwar.com, follow him on Twitter @decampdave.