Iran ready to consider compromises to reach nuclear deal, minister tells BBC in Tehran
BBC World
February 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Iran’s deputy foreign minister has indicated that the country is willing to consider compromises to reach a nuclear deal with the US, provided American officials are serious about lifting sanctions. In an interview with the BBC in Tehran, Majid Takht-Ravanchi stated that the ball was now in Washington's court to prove its commitment to negotiations. He emphasized that Iran’s readiness to discuss issues like uranium enrichment and stockpiles demonstrates its willingness to compromise, but only if the US is equally willing to address sanctions.
The recent round of indirect talks between the US and Iran in Oman yielded limited progress, with both sides expressing cautious optimism about future discussions. Takht-Ravanchi noted that while negotiations had moved forward, it was still too early to assess their outcome. He highlighted Tehran’s offer to dilute its 60% enriched uranium—a move seen as a sign of flexibility—but stressed that any deal must focus solely on the nuclear issue without external demands, such as discussions over Iran’s ballistic missile program or regional influence.
Despite Trump’s threats of military action if no agreement is reached, Takht-Ravanchi downplayed the idea of zero enrichment as a red line, stating it was no longer an active topic in negotiations. He also reiterated Tehran’s refusal to discuss its ballistic missile capabilities or its support for armed groups in the region, both key demands from the US and Israel. Iran views these topics as non-negotiable, framing them as matters of national sovereignty and defense.
The stakes are high for global stability, as a nuclear deal could ease tensions between Iran and the US while addressing concerns about Tehran’s nuclear activities. However, ongoing issues like regional conflicts and human rights abuses, such as Iran’s violent repression of anti-government protests, complicate the diplomatic landscape. The success of future negotiations will depend on both sides demonstrating flexibility and mutual commitment to resolving long-standing disputes.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/15/2026