A crucial moment in international diplomacy is upon us, as Iran signals its willingness to compromise in order to reach a nuclear deal with the United States. But here's where it gets controversial: the conditions for this potential agreement are complex and could spark differing opinions.
In an exclusive interview with the BBC in Tehran, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi revealed that his country is open to discussing a deal if the US is willing to lift sanctions. This statement comes amidst a backdrop of tense negotiations and escalating tensions between the two nations.
US officials, however, have placed the blame for the lack of progress squarely on Iran's shoulders. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that it is Iran, not the US, that is hindering the negotiating process. But Takht-Ravanchi challenges this narrative, stating that the ball is in America's court to prove its sincerity in wanting a deal.
The stakes are high, with President Trump threatening military strikes against Iran if a deal cannot be reached. The US has been building up its military presence in the region, a move that follows Iran's violent suppression of anti-government protests, which human rights groups estimate resulted in thousands of deaths.
And this is the part most people miss: despite these challenges, Iran and the US held indirect talks in Oman earlier this month. Takht-Ravanchi confirmed that a second round of talks is set to take place in Geneva, and while he described the initial discussions as "more or less positive," he cautioned that it is too early to make a judgment.
One of the key points of contention is Iran's nuclear enrichment program. Takht-Ravanchi pointed to Tehran's offer to dilute its 60%-enriched uranium as a sign of its willingness to compromise. However, the near weapons-grade level of this uranium has raised suspicions that Iran is moving towards developing a nuclear weapon, a claim it has consistently denied.
"We are ready to discuss this and other issues related to our program if they are ready to talk about sanctions," Takht-Ravanchi said. He added that it is too early to say whether this means lifting all or some sanctions.
Iran's main demand has been that talks should focus solely on the nuclear file, and Takht-Ravanchi believes that the US has come to the same conclusion. "Our understanding is that they have realized that if you want a deal, you have to focus on the nuclear issue," he said.
This potential shift in the US position could be a significant step forward for Iran, which has viewed Washington's maximalist demands for zero enrichment as an obstacle to any agreement. Iran regards this as a red line and a violation of its rights under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.
Takht-Ravanchi further clarified that the issue of zero enrichment is no longer on the table for Iran, contradicting Trump's recent comments that "we don't want any enrichment."
Another controversial point is Iran's ballistic missile program, which Tehran has refused to discuss with American negotiators. This program, along with Iran's support for armed groups across the region, has been a key demand of Israel, a country targeted by these missiles.
"When we were attacked by Israelis and Americans, our missiles came to our rescue. How can we accept depriving ourselves of our defensive capabilities?" Takht-Ravanchi asked.
The senior diplomat also expressed concern about the conflicting messages coming from the US, with Trump focusing on regime change in his latest remarks. "We are not hearing that in the private messages," Takht-Ravanchi said, referring to the notes passed through Oman's foreign minister.
He questioned the US military build-up in the region, warning that another war would be traumatic and bad for everyone involved. "If we feel this is an existential threat, we will respond accordingly," he added.
Iran has made it clear that US military bases in the region would be considered legitimate targets. In previous attacks, such as the strike on the Al-Udeid military base in Qatar, Tehran avoided causing American casualties.
When asked about the deployment of over 40,000 US soldiers in the region, Takht-Ravanchi replied, "It would be a different game."
Senior Iranian officials have been engaged in intensive discussions with their counterparts across the region, emphasizing the urgency of avoiding a war that could have far-reaching consequences.
"We see an almost unanimous agreement in the region against war," Takht-Ravanchi said.
Iran has repeatedly accused Israel of trying to sabotage the negotiating process. Despite these challenges, Takht-Ravanchi remains hopeful that a diplomatic solution can be found.
"We are hopeful we can do this through diplomacy, although we can't be 100% sure," he said. "We have to be alert so we are not surprised."
The presence of President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner at the last talks in February was seen as a positive sign by Iran, indicating greater US engagement. However, questions remain about Iran's willingness to make the necessary compromises for an agreement.
Many observers are skeptical that a new accord is within reach, but Takht-Ravanchi remains optimistic. "We will do our best, but the other side also has to prove their sincerity," he concluded.
As the negotiations continue, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution to this complex and delicate situation.
