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Iran open to compromise if US lifts sanctions
Iran's deputy foreign minister, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, told the BBC on Sunday that Tehran is prepared to consider concessions in nuclear negotiations if the United States agrees to discuss removing sanctions. The statement marks a potential shift in Iran's stance as indirect talks resume this week in Geneva.
US insists Iran is stalling progress
US officials have repeatedly blamed Iran for delays in reviving the 2015 nuclear accord, which collapsed after former President Donald Trump withdrew in 2018. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Saturday that while President Trump prefers a deal, negotiating with Iran remains "very hard." The US has also expanded its military presence in the Middle East, citing threats from Tehran.
Takht-Ravanchi countered that the US must prove its sincerity. "If they are sincere, I'm sure we will be on the road to an agreement," he said, adding that the ball is "in America's court." He pointed to Iran's offer to dilute its 60%-enriched uranium-a level near weapons-grade-as evidence of flexibility.
Key sticking points remain
Iran has rejected US demands for zero uranium enrichment, calling it a violation of its rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. "The issue of zero enrichment is not on the table anymore," Takht-Ravanchi said, contradicting recent remarks by Trump, who insisted, "We don't want any enrichment."
Tehran has also refused to discuss its ballistic missile program or regional influence, both key US and Israeli demands. "When we were attacked by Israelis and Americans, our missiles came to our rescue," Takht-Ravanchi said. "How can we accept depriving ourselves of our defensive capabilities?"
Uncertainty over uranium stockpile
Under the 2015 deal, Iran shipped over 11,000 kg of low-enriched uranium to Russia. When asked if Tehran would agree to export its current stockpile of over 400 kg of highly enriched uranium, Takht-Ravanchi said it was "too early to say." Russia has offered to accept the material again, but no agreement has been reached.
Mixed signals and regional tensions
Takht-Ravanchi expressed concern over Trump's conflicting messages, including recent remarks about regime change. "We are hearing they are interested in negotiations publicly and privately," he said, "but then we hear other things."
He warned that a US military strike would be "traumatic" for the region, adding, "If we feel this is an existential threat, we will respond accordingly." Iran has previously targeted US bases in the Middle East but avoided American casualties. With over 40,000 US troops now deployed in the region, Takht-Ravanchi said, "It would be a different game."
Diplomatic efforts and skepticism
Indirect talks in Oman earlier this month were described as "more or less in a positive direction," though Takht-Ravanchi cautioned it was "too early to judge." A second round begins Tuesday in Geneva, with Iran hopeful but cautious after last year's stalled negotiations.
Tehran has accused Israel of sabotaging the process, including a June 2025 strike that derailed planned talks. The attack, which triggered a 12-day conflict, has left Iran wary. "We have to be alert so we are not surprised," Takht-Ravanchi said.
Despite skepticism from observers, Iran's delegation will enter the Geneva talks with cautious optimism. "We will do our best," Takht-Ravanchi said, "but the other side also has to prove that they are sincere."
