Iran Signals Openness to Nuclear Compromise if U.S. Lifts Sanctions
Tehran says talks progressing positively as second set for Geneva
Tehran: Iran is prepared to consider compromises to secure a new nuclear agreement with the United States, provided Washington is willing to discuss lifting sanctions, Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi said in an interview published by the BBC.
Takht-Ravanchi stated that Tehran is open to discussing restrictions on its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. However, he reiterated that Iran would not link nuclear negotiations to other issues, including its missile programme.
“We are ready to engage constructively on the nuclear issue,” he said, adding that initial discussions had moved “more or less in a positive direction,” though it remains too early to assess the outcome.
Second Round of Talks in Geneva
A second round of negotiations is scheduled for Tuesday in Geneva, following earlier talks held in Oman this month. The renewed diplomatic engagement marks the latest attempt to ease tensions between Tehran and Washington.
According to sources cited by Reuters, a U.S. delegation including envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will participate in the discussions, with Omani officials acting as mediators.
Uranium Enrichment at Center of Dispute
Iran’s atomic energy chief indicated Monday that Tehran could agree to dilute its most highly enriched uranium if all financial sanctions are lifted. Takht-Ravanchi described this as evidence of Iran’s flexibility.
However, he firmly rejected the possibility of zero uranium enrichment inside Iran — a demand previously raised by the United States. Washington views domestic enrichment as a potential pathway to nuclear weapons development, a claim Iran denies.
Tehran has consistently maintained that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes only.
Background: The 2015 Nuclear Deal
The current negotiations come years after the United States withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Former President Donald Trump exited the accord during his first term, calling it insufficient.
The deal, negotiated under former President Barack Obama, had provided sanctions relief in exchange for strict limits on Iran’s nuclear activities designed to prevent the development of nuclear weapons.
Efforts to revive the agreement have faced repeated obstacles, but both sides appear to be cautiously re-engaging in dialogue.
