Iran is willing to make concessions on the nuclear issue, provided the United States lifts its sanctions. Tehran refuses, however, any negotiations on its missiles or a complete halt to enrichment. Between diplomacy and military pressure, the outcome of the talks remains highly uncertain. As indirect discussions between Washington and Tehran resume, Iran shows a cautious willingness to move toward a new nuclear agreement, while placing responsibility for success on the United States. In an interview with the BBC, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi stated that “it is up to America to prove it wants to reach an agreement,” believing progress remains possible if the central issue of sanctions is genuinely addressed.
Hope Persists
According to him, the initial exchanges organized in Oman have progressed “in a rather positive direction,” though he considers it premature to predict an outcome. Tehran highlights several opening gestures, including the possibility of diluting its uranium enriched to 60%—a level close to weapons-grade. “We are ready to discuss this issue and other points related to our program if they are willing to talk about sanctions,” he insisted, without specifying the extent of expected relief. Iran refuses, however, any challenge to its red lines. Majid Takht-Ravanchi stresses: “the issue of zero enrichment is no longer on the table,” rejecting a demand frequently raised by President Donald Trump. Similarly, the ballistic missile program remains off-limits. “Our missiles came to our rescue when we were attacked. How could we give up our defense capabilities?” he declared, emphasizing the deterrent role of this arsenal.
Amid a U.S. military buildup in the Middle East, the Iranian diplomat warned that confrontation would be “traumatic for all” and plunge the region into chaos. While affirming a preference for the diplomatic path, he cautioned that Iran would respond firmly to any existential threat. “We hope to reach a political solution, but the other side must also prove its sincerity,” he concluded.
Despite signals of openness, deep mistrust persists, fueled by disagreements over the scope of negotiations and Iran’s fear of a U.S. reversal. The next round of talks in Geneva could thus determine whether dialogue leads to a lasting compromise or a new phase of tensions.