Iran Claims it's Ready for 'Compromise' as Talks Set to Resume
Iran breaks its silence: Deputy Foreign Minister signals a major nuclear compromise is on the table, but only if the U.S. moves first on sanctions. Will Geneva bring a breakthrough or a breakdown?
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister said the country is prepared to make concessions on its nuclear program if the U.S. is willing to discuss lifting sanctions, ahead of renewed negotiations set for Tuesday in Geneva.
"We are ready to reach compromises regarding a nuclear deal, if the Americans are willing to discuss removing sanctions," Majid Takht-Ravanchi told the BBC. "The ball is now in the Americans' court, they must prove they truly want to reach an agreement. If they are sincere, I am sure we will be on the path to an agreement."
The third round of talks will take place Tuesday in Geneva, 10 days after previous discussions concluded in Muscat, Oman. The delegations are expected to be the same: White House envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will lead the American team, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will head Iran's delegation.
U.S. officials remain pessimistic about reaching a deal. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it "a very difficult undertaking," though he said President Trump "will always prefer to solve problems through agreements. We will give this another chance and see if it works."
Rubio emphasized that "Iran will never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons, because it poses a threat to the U.S., Europe, global security and the region."
The secretary also addressed the recent buildup of American forces in the Middle East, explaining the move was made "because Iran has shown willingness and capability to break through and attack the U.S. presence in the region. As a result, sufficient firepower is needed to prevent it from making a mistake and dragging things into something broader."