'The ball is in America's court': Iran signals readiness to compromise in nuclear deal if US lifts sanctions
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKFebruary 15, 2026
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Iran’s deputy foreign minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi has indicated that Tehran is willing to make concessions in ongoing nuclear deal negotiations with the United States, provided Washington demonstrates a genuine commitment to lifting sanctions. Speaking to the BBC during an interview in Tehran, he emphasized that the ball is now in America’s court to prove its seriousness about reaching a deal. The remarks came as Iran and the U.S. prepared for fresh talks in Geneva, following indirect discussions in Oman earlier this month. While Takht-Ravanchi described the initial dialogue as “more or less positive,” he stressed that it was still too early to assess whether progress could be made.
The nuclear dispute at the heart of the talks centers on Iran’s uranium enrichment activities, which have reached levels close to weapons-grade, sparking international concerns about Tehran’s intentions. Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons and has offered to dilute its highly enriched uranium stockpile as a sign of flexibility. However, any agreement must address U.S. demands for significant curbs on Iran’s nuclear program while also considering the removal of sanctions that have severely impacted Iran’s economy. Takht-Ravanchi reiterated that zero enrichment is not acceptable to Tehran, calling it a red line under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed cautious optimism about the talks but has warned that failure to reach a deal could lead to military action. Meanwhile, Iran has criticized the U.S. for mixed messaging, particularly regarding potential regime change rhetoric, which Tehran sees as counterproductive to diplomacy. The stakes are high, with both sides vying to avoid a potentially catastrophic escalation in the region. As tensions remain on edge, the outcome of these negotiations will have far-reaching implications for global security, economic stability, and U.S.-Iran relations.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/15/2026