After a five-month hiatus, Iran and the US on Nov. 29 resumed indirect talks in Vienna on the revival of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The negotiations in past weeks have included focus on the extent to which progress made in the six rounds of talks held earlier this year should be considered.

To gain a better idea of the issues on the table—and possible solutions—Amwaj.media spoke with Dr. Nasser Hadian, a prominent professor of political science at the University of Tehran and a prolific commentator in Iran. While repeatedly targeted by the Iranian authorities, Hadian has nonetheless provided input to multiple administrations in Tehran.

The core considerations: “From the Iranian perspective, there are two very important issues that concern us,” Hadian explained, “There is the question of the sustainability of the JCPOA, or you may call it guarantees or assurances…Iran wants to be sure that the next president of the United States won’t withdraw from the deal at will or because of domestic politics.”...