Iran Signals Willingness to Compromise on Nuclear Deal if Sanctions Are Addressed Tehran Says “Ball Is in America’s Court”

Feb 15, 2026: Iran has expressed readiness to explore compromises in ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States, provided Washington is willing to seriously discuss lifting sanctions.

In an interview with BBC in Tehran, Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said Iran remains open to reaching an agreement but stressed that progress now depends on the US demonstrating genuine intent. “If they are sincere, we can move toward an agreement,” he indicated, suggesting that responsibility for advancing talks lies with Washington.

US officials, however, have repeatedly maintained that Iran is slowing down the process. Over the weekend, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump prefers a diplomatic resolution but acknowledged that reaching a deal with Tehran remains challenging.

Indirect Talks Resume Amid Regional Tensions

The two sides held indirect discussions earlier this month in Oman, with mediation led by Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi. A second round of talks is scheduled to take place in Geneva, according to Iranian officials.

Takht-Ravanchi described the initial meeting as cautiously constructive but said it was too early to predict the outcome. President Trump has also characterized the talks as positive, even as he continues to warn that military action remains an option if diplomacy fails.

The renewed diplomatic efforts come against a backdrop of heightened tension. The US has expanded its military presence in the region, and Tehran has warned that any aggressive move would destabilize the broader Middle East.

Uranium Enrichment at the Center of Dispute

A key sticking point remains Iran’s uranium enrichment activities. Tehran has enriched uranium to 60% purity — a level close to weapons-grade — though Iranian authorities insist their nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.

Takht-Ravanchi pointed to Iran’s willingness to dilute its 60%-enriched uranium as evidence of flexibility. However, he declined to clarify whether Iran would agree to export its stockpile of more than 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium, as it did under the 2015 nuclear deal.

That earlier agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was signed between Iran and world powers but later abandoned by President Trump during his previous term in office. At the time, Russia accepted large quantities of Iran’s low-enriched uranium as part of the arrangement and has reportedly offered to do so again.

Zero Enrichment and Sanctions Relief

Iran insists that negotiations must focus strictly on the nuclear issue and not expand to other areas such as ballistic missiles or regional activities. Takht-Ravanchi stated that demands for “zero enrichment” are no longer under discussion from Iran’s perspective, describing such conditions as incompatible with Tehran’s rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

This stance contrasts with recent comments by President Trump, who reiterated that Washington does not want Iran to continue any enrichment activities.

Sanctions relief remains Tehran’s primary objective. While Iranian officials have signaled openness to discussing limitations on enrichment levels, they expect reciprocal steps from the US on economic restrictions. It remains unclear whether negotiations would involve lifting all sanctions or only selected measures.

Missiles and Regional Security Off the Table

Iran has firmly rejected including its ballistic missile programme in negotiations, arguing that its missile capabilities are defensive. Takht-Ravanchi emphasized that Iran relies on these systems for national security, particularly after previous confrontations with Israel and the United States.

US officials and Israel have both argued that any comprehensive agreement should address Iran’s missile development and its support for regional armed groups. Tehran, however, maintains that expanding talks beyond the nuclear file would jeopardize progress.

Military Build-Up Raises Stakes

With more than 40,000 US troops stationed in the region, tensions remain high. Iranian officials have warned that American military bases could become targets if conflict erupts, though Tehran has previously avoided causing US casualties during retaliatory strikes.

Takht-Ravanchi cautioned that another war would be damaging for all parties involved, describing such a scenario as destabilizing for the entire region. Regional governments, including Qatar, have reportedly engaged in diplomatic outreach to prevent escalation.

Cautious Optimism Ahead of Geneva Talks

Despite lingering mistrust — particularly after last year’s sudden Israeli strike that disrupted diplomatic efforts — Iranian officials say they will approach the upcoming Geneva round with cautious optimism.

Takht-Ravanchi acknowledged skepticism about the prospects of a new agreement but reiterated that Iran would participate constructively. “We will do our best,” he said, adding that success ultimately depends on both sides demonstrating sincerity.

As negotiations continue, the coming weeks are likely to determine whether diplomacy can ease one of the most persistent flashpoints in international politics — or whether tensions will deepen further.