Tehran is willing to make nuclear concessions as long as the US cooperates, according to Iran’s official claims

Iran has signaled its willingness to negotiate concessions regarding its nuclear program in discussions with the U.S., seeking the removal of sanctions and acknowledgment of its right to enrich uranium, as it aims to prevent a U.S. military strike.

A senior Iranian official informed Reuters that both sides continue to be sharply divided, even regarding the scope and sequencing of relief from the crippling U.S. sanctions, after two rounds of talks.

Reuters is now reporting that Iran is making new concessions following the conclusion of their talks last week, during which the parties seemed significantly divided and on the brink of military conflict. Analysts indicate that this action implies Tehran is attempting to maintain diplomatic efforts and prevent a significant U.S. military response.

The official indicated that Tehran would give serious thought to a plan involving the export of half of its most highly enriched uranium, diluting the remainder, and participating in the establishment of a regional enrichment consortium—an idea that has been suggested intermittently throughout years of diplomacy related to Iran.

An official stated that Iran would take this action in exchange for U.S. acknowledgment of Iran’s entitlement to “peaceful nuclear enrichment” as part of an agreement that would also involve the removal of economic sanctions.

Furthermore, Iran has presented opportunities for U.S. companies to engage as contractors in its extensive oil and gas sectors, according to the official, amid discussions aimed at addressing longstanding conflicts regarding Tehran’s nuclear endeavors.

The official stated, “The economic package currently under negotiation presents the United States with significant opportunities for investment and concrete economic interests in Iran’s oil industry.”
The White House has yet to provide a response to inquiries regarding the matter.

Washington perceives enrichment activities within Iran as a possible route to nuclear armament. Iran refutes allegations of pursuing nuclear weapons and seeks acknowledgment of its right to enrich uranium.

Earlier this month, Iran and the United States resumed negotiations while the U.S. enhanced its military presence in the Middle East. Iran has issued a warning to target U.S. bases in the region should it face an attack.

An Iranian official noted that the latest discussions highlighted the divide between the two parties yet emphasized that “the possibility of reaching an interim agreement exists” as negotiations progress.

Iran is pursuing a ‘logical timetable’ for the removal of sanctions.

The recent discussions revealed a divergence between U.S. proposals on the extent and framework of sanctions relief and Iran’s expectations. “Both parties must establish a logical timeline for the removal of sanctions,” the official stated. “This plan should be sensible and grounded in shared interests.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated on Sunday that he anticipates a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff in Geneva on Thursday, noting that there remains “a good chance” for a diplomatic resolution.

Araqchi stated on Friday that he anticipated having a draft counterproposal prepared in a matter of days, while Trump mentioned he was contemplating limited military strikes.

According to officials from both sides and diplomats throughout the Gulf and Europe, Reuters reported on Friday that Tehran and Washington are quickly moving toward a military conflict as prospects for a diplomatic resolution diminish.

On Sunday, Witkoff remarked that the president was intrigued by Iran’s lack of “capitulation” and its refusal to limit its nuclear program. “Given the current pressure and the significant naval presence in the region, why haven’t they approached us to say, ‘We assert we don’t desire a weapon, so here’s what we are willing to offer’?” “And yet, it’s somewhat challenging to guide them to that point,” Witkoff remarked on Fox News.

WILLINGNESS TO NEGOTIATE ON NUCLEAR ACTIVITIES

Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of the Iran program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, stated that Iran’s leadership aims to buy time through the negotiations. “Iran will utilize that time for several purposes, including to evade a strike and to fortify nuclear, missile, and military facilities,” he remarked.

Tehran has indicated its willingness to compromise on its nuclear work, despite rejecting a U.S. demand for “zero enrichment,” which has been a significant obstacle in previous negotiations.

Washington has also insisted that Iran give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium (HEU). Last year, the International Atomic Energy Agency estimated that the stockpile consisted of over 440 kg of uranium enriched to as much as 60% fissile purity, which is just a small step away from the 90% threshold considered to be weapons grade.

Ali Larijani, a close adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, informed Al Jazeera TV that Iran is prepared to permit extensive IAEA monitoring to demonstrate that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons.

The agency has repeatedly urged Iran to permit inspections of three nuclear sites that were targeted by the U.S. in June of the previous year, following a 12-day bombing campaign by Israel. Since that time, Tehran has stated that its uranium enrichment activities have ceased.

Experts indicate that satellite images reveal Iran has made significant progress at a site allegedly bombed by Israel last year, recently constructing a concrete shield over a new facility at a sensitive military location and concealing it with soil.

ADVANTAGES FOR ALL PARTIES

The U.S. is calling for limitations on Tehran’s long-range ballistic missile program and a cessation of its backing for regional proxy groups.

Iran has categorically dismissed the idea of discussing its missile program, while sources informed Reuters, without providing further details, that “the issue of regional proxies is not a red line for Tehran”.

Iranian authorities have stated that a diplomatic resolution would yield economic advantages for both Tehran and Washington.

An Iranian official stated that Tehran will not relinquish control over its oil and mineral resources. “The U.S. can ultimately serve as an economic partner for Iran, but nothing beyond that.” American companies are always able to engage as contractors in Iran’s oil and gas fields.