Iran signals readiness for nuclear compromise if US addresses sanctions

Iran has indicated it is prepared to consider compromises over its nuclear programme if the United States is willing to discuss lifting sanctions, as indirect negotiations resume amid heightened regional tensions.

A key element of Tehran's position is its offer to dilute uranium enriched to 60%, a level close to weapons-grade. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said: "We are ready to discuss this [diluting 60%-enriched uranium] and other issues related to our programme if they are ready to talk about sanctions," says the BBC.

Takht-Ravanchi said the indirect talks held in Oman earlier this month were "more or less in a positive direction but it is too early to judge." He added: "The ball was 'in America's court to prove that they want to do a deal'..." and "If they are sincere, I'm sure we will be on the road to an agreement."

The United States has previously demanded "zero enrichment," but Takht-Ravanchi said: "The issue of zero enrichment is not an issue anymore and as far as Iran is concerned, it is not on the table anymore." He added: "Our understanding is that they have come to the conclusion that if you want to have a deal you have to focus on the nuclear issue."

US President Donald Trump has publicly maintained a harder line, saying of Iran's nuclear programme: "We don't want any enrichment." On the possibility of regime change in Iran, Trump said: "It seems that would be the best thing that would happen."

Major obstacles remain

Despite signs of diplomatic engagement, significant differences persist.

Iran has ruled out including its ballistic missile programme in any agreement. "When we were attacked by Israelis and Americans, our missiles came to our rescue so how can we accept depriving ourselves of our defensive capabilities..." Takht-Ravanchi said.

US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have said any agreement should also address Iran's support for armed groups in the region. Rubio has said that while Trump preferred a deal, it was "very hard to do" one with Iran.

Another unresolved issue is whether Iran would again ship its stockpile of highly enriched uranium abroad. Takht-Ravanchi said: "It was too early to say what will happen in the course of negotiations."

Military buildup and risk of conflict

The diplomatic efforts are unfolding against a backdrop of increased military activity. The United States has deployed more than 40,000 troops to the region.

Takht-Ravanchi warned that a war would be "traumatic, bad for everybody… everybody will suffer, particularly those who have initiated this aggression." Referring to the US military presence, he said: "It would be a different game."

He added: "If we feel this is an existential threat, we will respond accordingly." He also said: "It is not wise to even think about such a very dangerous scenario [a battle for survival] because the whole region will be in a mess." At the same time, he said: "We see an almost unanimous agreement in the region against war."

Mixed signals and trust deficit

Iranian officials have pointed to what they describe as mixed messaging from Washington. "We are hearing that they are interested in negotiations... They have said it publicly; they have said it in private conversations through Oman that they are interested to have these matters resolved peacefully," Takht-Ravanchi said.

Contrasting public remarks about regime change with private communications, he added: "We are not hearing that in the private messages."

Following the Oman talks, a second round of negotiations is scheduled to take place in Geneva. Takht-Ravanchi said: "We are hopeful we can do this through diplomacy, although we can't be 100% sure," adding that Iran has "to be alert so we are not surprised."

Despite skepticism among observers, Iranian negotiators say they are entering the Geneva talks with the expectation that progress is possible if Washington demonstrates it is "sincere."