Iran Open to Nuclear Compromises if US Lifts Sanctions

Iran has signalled it is prepared to consider compromises in its nuclear programme if the United States shows what it calls genuine willingness to lift sanctions, reopening a narrow diplomatic window ahead of a new round of talks in Geneva this week.

Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, said Tehran was open to “give and take” negotiations but insisted that Washington must first demonstrate sincerity. His remarks come as both sides prepare for what officials describe as complex and high-stakes discussions, with the future of Iran’s uranium enrichment programme at the centre of the dispute.

“The Ball Is in America’s Court”

Speaking in a televised interview on Feb. 15, Takht-Ravanchi said, “The ball is in America’s court to prove that they want to do a deal… If they are sincere, I’m sure we will be on the road to an agreement.”

He added that negotiations must involve reciprocal steps, particularly on sanctions relief. “Iran has to do certain things without uh the other side committing itself uh to do their share. So it has to be a give and take. That is what compromise is all about. All sanctions let’s discuss let’s discuss uh what what sanctions we are talking about,” he said.

Tehran maintains that its nuclear programme is peaceful. However, prior to the current round of tensions, Iran enriched uranium to 60 percent purity — a level far above civilian energy needs and a short technical step from weapons-grade.

Washington Seeks Sweeping Limits

The United States, under President Donald Trump, has taken a hard line. Washington has demanded the full dismantling of Iran’s enrichment facilities at Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan, along with a permanent end to uranium enrichment.

Mr. Trump’s administration has set an ambitious timeline, reportedly aiming to finalise a framework within 60 days. Sanctions relief has been offered in exchange for compliance, including proposals that Iran transfer its existing stockpile of enriched uranium to a third country.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has acknowledged the difficulty ahead. “I’m not going to prejudge these talks. The president always prefers peaceful outcomes and negotiated outcomes to things,” he said, while cautioning that discussions are “likely to be complicated.”

Speaking aboard Air Force One, Mr. Trump described Iran as “a very tough negotiator,” adding, “I hope they’re going to be more reasonable.”

Israel Presses for Zero Enrichment

Adding further pressure, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for a deal that would require Iran to relinquish all enriched uranium and forgo any future enrichment capability.

Such demands strike at the core of Iran’s negotiating position. Tehran has repeatedly rejected the notion of zero enrichment, framing it as a matter of national sovereignty and scientific progress.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is leading Tehran’s delegation in Geneva, wrote: “I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal. What is not on the table: submission before threats.”

Diplomacy Balanced Against Escalation

The talks come amid heightened rhetoric and strategic positioning. The United States has called on European allies to consider reimposing sanctions, citing Iran’s nuclear advances. Meanwhile, Washington has built military presence in the region as leverage, even as officials insist they prefer a negotiated settlement over confrontation.

The diplomatic effort resembles a high-stakes chess match: each side signalling flexibility while guarding core demands. For Tehran, sanctions relief remains the prize. For Washington and its allies, verifiable limits on Iran’s nuclear capability are non-negotiable.

Why It Matters Beyond the Middle East

Though geographically distant, the outcome carries global economic implications. Any easing of sanctions on Iran — a major oil producer — could stabilise energy markets. For import-dependent economies such as Malta and across the European Union, fluctuations in global oil supply can influence fuel and electricity prices.

Conversely, a breakdown in talks could tighten supply and push prices higher, adding pressure to households and businesses already sensitive to energy costs.

A Narrow Path Forward

For now, both sides say they are willing to talk, but remain divided over what concessions are acceptable. Iran has left the door ajar to compromise, while the United States insists on sweeping restrictions.

Whether Geneva becomes the site of a breakthrough or another missed opportunity will depend on whether the two adversaries can convert guarded words into concrete, reciprocal steps. As Takht-Ravanchi put it, the next move belongs to Washington.