February 15, 2026 l Dalena Reporters
Iran has indicated a willingness to consider compromises in negotiations with the United States over its nuclear programme, provided that Washington is prepared to discuss lifting sanctions a potentially significant shift in one of the Middle East’s most enduring diplomatic standoffs. The comments came from Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, in an interview with the BBC ahead of a new round of talks.
Takht-Ravanchi stressed that Tehran is open to discussing curbs on enrichment activities in exchange for the relief of punitive economic measures a central sticking point in efforts to revive or remake a deal similar to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). In particular, he raised the possibility of agreeing to dilute Iran’s most heavily enriched uranium if all financial sanctions were lifted, though he reiterated that Iran would not accept zero enrichment a non-starter for Tehran but a key concern for U.S. negotiators.
The comments signal Tehran’s readiness to engage constructively in diplomacy, even as deep mistrust lingers between the two powers. A U.S. delegation, reportedly including envoys such as Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is scheduled to meet Iranian representatives in Geneva this week, marking the next phase of this engagement. Negotiations have already resumed in Oman after earlier indirect talks this month aimed at narrowing differences.
For years, the nuclear issue has been a central flashpoint in U.S.–Iran relations, particularly since the United States’ 2018 withdrawal from the JCPOA under then-President Donald Trump. That move triggered a cascade of retaliatory steps by Tehran, including expanding its nuclear programme beyond limits set by the original pact a drift that has heightened global concern over proliferation risks.
Despite these tensions, both sides appear intent on keeping diplomatic channels open, with discussions mediated by third parties such as Oman. Analysts say this may reflect mutual interest in reducing economic pressure and strategic risk though profound differences remain, particularly regarding the extent of enrichment limits and the sequencing of sanctions relief.
The outcome of this week’s talks will be closely watched by regional powers and global actors concerned about stability in the Middle East, the future of Iran’s nuclear trajectory, and the potential ripple effects on energy markets and security alliances.