A fragile opening appears in the long-stalled negotiations surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. A senior Iranian official signaled Sunday a willingness to compromise, but only if the United States demonstrates a reciprocal commitment to easing sanctions.
Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi directly challenged Washington, stating the onus is now on America to prove its sincerity. He asserted that if the U.S. genuinely seeks an agreement, a path forward exists, framing the situation as a test of American resolve.
The offer hinges on a crucial condition: discussions regarding the lifting of sanctions must be included. Takht-Ravanchi made it clear that Iran is prepared to engage on the broader nuclear program, but only in conjunction with addressing the economic pressures imposed by those sanctions.
These statements coincided with the departure of Iran’s chief diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, to Geneva for a second round of indirect talks with U.S. representatives. Oman is once again acting as a mediator, attempting to bridge the significant gap between the two nations.
However, the U.S. perspective sharply contrasts Iran’s narrative. American officials maintain that Iran is the primary obstacle to progress, accusing Tehran of stalling and making unreasonable demands.
The history of these negotiations is fraught with setbacks. Previous diplomatic efforts completely unraveled in 2025 following a twelve-day conflict between Israel and Iran, compounded by direct U.S. military strikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities – a stark reminder of the stakes involved.
Despite this turbulent past, Iran points to a recent offer to dilute its uranium stockpile enriched to 60% purity as evidence of its current flexibility. This gesture, they argue, demonstrates a willingness to move towards a more acceptable position.
When questioned about potentially shipping its substantial stockpile of over 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium abroad – a key component of the 2015 agreement – Takht-Ravanchi cautioned that it was premature to speculate on the outcome of negotiations.
Iran is now prioritizing a focused approach, insisting that discussions remain centered on the nuclear issue itself. They believe the U.S. has recognized that concentrating on this core concern is essential for any potential breakthrough.
A significant shift in Iran’s position is also apparent regarding uranium enrichment levels. The demand for “zero enrichment,” previously a central tenet of negotiations, is now reportedly off the table, signaling a potential concession.
Yet, the shadow of potential military action looms large. The U.S. has not ruled out further force if a diplomatic solution cannot be reached, a threat underscored by a bolstered military presence in the region.
This escalation in military posture is further complicated by widespread protests within Iran itself, brutally suppressed in December with reports of thousands of deaths at the hands of the ruling clerical regime, adding another layer of instability to an already volatile situation.
