Iran has signalled willingness to consider compromises for a nuclear agreement with the United States if sanctions relief is discussed, even as Washington reiterates its red line against a nuclear-armed Tehran.
As US President Donald Trump warned that failure to reach a deal could be
“traumatic” for Iran, its Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi signalled readiness to consider compromises on a nuclear agreement with the United States if
sanctions relief is discussed, BBC reported.
He told the BBC in an interview that the ball was “in America’s court to prove that they want to do a deal”, adding that if the US is sincere, “we will be on the road to an agreement”.
US reiterates red line on Iran nuclear weapon
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran will never be permitted to acquire a nuclear weapon, while noting that Donald Trump still prefers a diplomatic resolution to tensions with Tehran.
“Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. That’s pretty clear,” Rubio said, reiterating Washington’s long-standing position that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose a serious threat to regional and global security.
He added that the US has maintained military forces in the region because Iran has previously demonstrated a willingness to target American interests.
US boosts military presence in region
Rubio’s remarks come as the US strengthens its military presence in the Middle East, including reports of a second US aircraft carrier deployment.
The Iranian nuclear deal dates back to July 2015, when the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was signed between Iran and several world powers, including the US. The agreement capped Tehran’s enrichment level at 3.67 per cent and reduced its uranium stockpile to 300 kilograms. The deal collapsed in 2018 after the US withdrew from the accord.
Next round of talks in Geneva
The US and Iran are expected to hold the next round of nuclear talks on Tuesday in Geneva, CNN reported. According to the report, US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to attend.
Trump warns failure to reach deal could be ‘traumatic’
The development comes as Trump emphasised the need for a deal with Iran, warning that failure to reach an agreement could be “traumatic”.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday (local time), Trump described his recent meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu as “very good” and said, “We have to make a deal, otherwise it is going to be very traumatic (for Iran) and I don’t want it to happen… If they don’t make a deal, it is going to be a different story.”
End of Article
