Iran Seeks “Real and Fair” Nuclear Agreement Amid US Willingness to Compromise

  • Araghchi travels to Oman “with full authority for indirect talks with US”.
  • Official indicates progress hinges on US goodwill.
  • Trump restates his firm stance against Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.

Iran has expressed its desire for a “real and fair” agreement concerning its nuclear program. This comes as the United States has indicated a willingness to find common ground ahead of critical discussions. However, the US maintains that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons.

The meeting between the two countries is scheduled to take place in Oman. This follows a letter from US President Donald Trump to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, where Trump pursued diplomatic solutions while also warning of potential military action if Iran refuses to cooperate.

Ali Shamkhani, an advisor to Khamenei, stated on X that Tehran is genuinely seeking an equitable and implementable agreement, rather than engaging in mere public relations. He verified that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is going to Oman “with complete authority for indirect negotiations with America”. Shamkhani added that the path to an agreement would be “smooth” if Washington demonstrates goodwill.

Prior to these discussions, Trump reiterated his firm stance against Iran developing a nuclear weapon. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump stated his desire for Iran to be a “wonderful, great, happy country,” but emphasized that “they can’t have a nuclear weapon.”

Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy, conveyed a sense of flexibility before the talks.

Witkoff mentioned that the starting point involves demanding Iran to completely dismantle its nuclear program. However, he acknowledged the potential for compromise between the two nations.

He emphasized that the “red line” for the US is preventing Iran from weaponizing its nuclear capabilities.

In 2015, former US President Barack Obama negotiated a deal aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, without requiring the complete dismantling of its nuclear program.

Trump criticized the agreement as inadequate and withdrew from it upon assuming office, reinstating extensive sanctions on Iran’s oil sector.

Following the US withdrawal, Tehran initially adhered to the deal for a year before gradually reducing its commitments.

‘Hostile rhetoric’

Trump also stated that military action remains a possibility should diplomatic efforts fail.

Iran responded by suggesting it might expel United Nations nuclear inspectors, which prompted a warning from the US that such action would be considered an escalation.

Iran has consistently denied intentions to acquire nuclear weapons.

Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated that Iran is “giving diplomacy a genuine chance in good faith and full vigilance”.

He added that “America should appreciate this decision, which was made despite their hostile rhetoric.”

Washington imposed additional sanctions on Iran, targeting its oil network and nuclear program.

Iran’s nuclear agency chief, Mohammad Eslami, dismissed the significance of these sanctions.

He asserted that despite “maximum pressure with various sanctions,” they have been unable to halt the country’s progress.

Eslami added, “They still think that they can stop this nation and country with threats and intimidation, psychological operations, or stupid actions.”

Before the Oman talks, Witkoff also visited Russia, a country that maintains close ties with Iran.

The European Union, a supporter of the Obama-era agreement, affirmed that “there was ‘no alternative to diplomacy’ on the Iranian nuclear issue.”