Iran has signaled readiness to resume negotiations on its nuclear program with the United States, contingent on Washington’s willingness to discuss lifting sanctions, Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi stated in a BBC interview this week. The remarks come as both nations prepare for a new round of talks in Geneva scheduled for next week, according to the Swiss Foreign Ministry.
Takht-Ravanchi emphasized that Tehran expects reciprocal commitments, stating, "The ball is in America’s court. They have to prove they want a deal." He reiterated Iran’s stance that unilateral concessions are untenable, adding, "One cannot accept the notion that Iran has to do certain things without the other side committing to their share."
The comments follow a Friday statement by Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, who reaffirmed that the country’s missile capabilities remain a "red line" in negotiations. However, Shamkhani acknowledged that progress is possible if talks are "rooted in realism" and avoid "excessive demands."
Regional tensions linger as Takht-Ravanchi described potential military conflict in the Middle East as "traumatic" and "bad for everybody," amid reports of heightened U.S. naval deployments. Observers note that the upcoming Geneva discussions could mark a pivotal moment in stabilizing cross-regional relations.
