Iran has signaled openness to negotiations over its nuclear program with the United States, but only on the condition that discussions also include relief from crippling sanctions imposed on Tehran. In a recent BBC interview, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi emphasized that Tehran cannot be expected to make unilateral commitments without reciprocal actions from Washington.
"We are ready to discuss issues related to our programme provided that they are also ready to talk about sanctions. Those sanctions also have to be on the table. One cannot accept the notion that Iran has to do certain things without the other side committing itself to do their share," Takht-Ravanchi stated, placing the onus on the U.S. to advance the process.
A senior Iranian minister echoed this sentiment, declaring, “The ball is in America’s court. They need to show they genuinely want an agreement with us. If we see sincerity on their side, I’m confident we can move towards a deal.” The minister, who is playing a central role in the current negotiations as he did more than a decade ago, underscored Iran's readiness contingent on U.S. engagement.
Recent diplomatic efforts provide context for these overtures. On February 6, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump, in Oman. Omani officials served as intermediaries during the discussions.
Momentum appears to be building, with a spokesperson for the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs informing AFP on Sunday that Oman is set to host a second round of talks on Tehran’s nuclear program in Geneva next week. No further details on the agenda or participants were disclosed.
Switzerland's involvement highlights its longstanding neutral role in Iran-U.S. relations. Since Washington severed ties with Tehran after the 1980 hostage crisis—stemming from the 1979 Iranian Revolution—Switzerland has represented U.S. interests in Iran as the designated “protecting power,” facilitating limited diplomatic and consular channels between the adversaries.
