Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister asserts that the U.S. must demonstrate its commitment to a nuclear deal as indirect talks resume in Geneva, emphasizing the importance of lifting sanctions.
Iran has expressed its willingness to engage in negotiations with the United States regarding a nuclear deal, contingent upon discussions about lifting sanctions. In a recent interview, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, stated that the responsibility now lies with the U.S. to “prove that they want to do a deal.” He added, “If they are sincere, I’m sure we will be on the road to an agreement.”
Takht-Ravanchi made these remarks as Iran’s top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, traveled to Geneva for a second round of indirect talks with the U.S. delegation. This follows an initial round of negotiations last week, with Oman mediating the discussions, according to Iranian state media and the Associated Press.
U.S. officials, however, have indicated that Iran is the party impeding progress in the negotiations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked on February 14 that President Donald Trump is open to reaching an agreement but cautioned that it is “very hard to do” so with Iran.
The backdrop to these discussions includes the collapse of past diplomatic efforts in 2025, which followed a 12-day conflict initiated by Israel against Iran and subsequent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
In his comments, Takht-Ravanchi highlighted Tehran’s willingness to dilute its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% purity as a sign of compromise. When asked about the possibility of shipping over 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium abroad, as was done under the 2015 nuclear agreement, he stated, “It is too early to say what will happen in the course of negotiations.”
One of Iran’s primary demands is that the discussions remain focused on the nuclear issue. “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,” Takht-Ravanchi explained. He further noted that the “issue of zero enrichment is not an issue anymore and as far as Iran is concerned, it is not on the table anymore.”
In response to the ongoing tensions, President Trump has threatened further military action if a satisfactory agreement to limit Iran’s nuclear program cannot be achieved. The U.S. has also bolstered its military presence in the region amid escalating tensions and widespread protests in Iran, which reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths at the hands of the clerical regime.
As the negotiations continue, the international community watches closely to see if both sides can find common ground and move towards a resolution that addresses the complex issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
According to BBC, the outcome of these talks could significantly impact regional stability and U.S.-Iran relations moving forward.