Iran has declared its openness to compromise in nuclear negotiations, provided the United States agrees to lift sanctions. Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi stated that Tehran is prepared to discuss constraints on its nuclear activities, including its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, if Washington demonstrates sincerity by addressing sanctions relief.
Diplomatic Moves and Conditional Flexibility
Mr Takht-Ravanchi emphasised that the "ball was in America’s court to prove they want to do a deal." He told the BBC, "We’re ready to discuss this and other issues related to our programme if they are ready to talk about sanctions." His remarks follow indirect talks held in Oman earlier this month, with a second round scheduled in Geneva on Tuesday.
The Iranian minister described initial contacts as progressing "more or less in a positive direction," but cautioned it was "too early to judge" the outcome. He highlighted Iran's offer to dilute its 60 per cent enriched uranium as an example of flexibility, though he firmly rejected the notion of zero enrichment, stating it was "not on the table anymore."
Key Gaps and Historical Context
These discussions represent a renewed diplomatic effort to revive the 2015 nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, from which former US President Donald Trump withdrew in 2018. That deal had eased sanctions on Iran in exchange for strict limits on its nuclear programme. Since the US exit, Iran has significantly expanded its enrichment activities.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran has accumulated over 400kg of uranium enriched up to 60 per cent purity, nearing weapons-grade levels, though Tehran consistently denies seeking nuclear weapons. Mr Takht-Ravanchi noted it was "too early to say" whether Iran would agree to ship its highly enriched uranium abroad, as it did under the previous accord.
US Stance and Ongoing Challenges
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on Saturday that President Trump prefers a deal but finds it "very hard to do" with Iran. Mr Trump had previously threatened military strikes if negotiations failed and stated on Friday that "we don’t want any enrichment," underscoring a fundamental disagreement between the two nations.
Additionally, Iran has repeatedly refused to link nuclear discussions to its ballistic missile programme, which Washington and its allies have sought to restrict. An American delegation, including envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is expected to meet Iranian representatives in Geneva, with Omani officials mediating, according to a Reuters source.
Mr Takht-Ravanchi concluded, "If they are sincere, I'm sure we will be on the road to an agreement," highlighting the conditional nature of Iran's willingness to engage. The upcoming talks in Geneva will be crucial in determining whether both sides can bridge their differences and achieve a diplomatic breakthrough.
