Iran Expresses Willingness to Reach a Nuclear Deal with the US in Exchange for Sanctions Relief: Prospects and Official Statements
In recent days, reports about a possible breakthrough in negotiations between Iran and the United States regarding Tehran’s nuclear program have been circulating in diplomatic circles and the media. According to credible sources, including NBC News, Iranian representatives are ready to sign such an agreement, which could open a new chapter in bilateral relations. Ali Shamkhani, the Chief Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, stated that the country would be willing to agree to a set of conditions, particularly concerning restrictions on the development of its nuclear program, if all economic sanctions currently causing significant harm to Iran’s economy are lifted. According to Shamkhani, Tehran guarantees that it will never develop nuclear weapons and commits to eliminating its stocks of highly enriched uranium, which could potentially be used for military purposes. Furthermore, Iran is prepared to agree to uranium enrichment only to levels necessary for civilian purposes and will allow international inspectors to monitor this process. In this case, he said, all sanctions would be lifted immediately, enabling the country to restore economic incentives and stabilize the internal situation. Shamkhani emphasized: “We are still open to negotiations. It is entirely possible. If the US fulfills its promises and acts in accordance with its words, then there may be a chance to improve relations. This would contribute to stabilizing the situation and achieving positive developments in the shortest possible time.” In his opinion, the main obstacle at present is exaggerated threats and distrust from the US, caused by pressure and sanctions. At the same time, according to sources, these statements were made amid high diplomatic tensions. Just hours earlier, US President Donald Trump issued a statement promising an “olive branch” while simultaneously threatening to strengthen sanctions if Iran refuses to accept a deal. This caused some conflict in Vienna and other diplomatic centers, where informal negotiations regarding Iran’s future nuclear program are ongoing. The practical idea voiced by Trump involved attempting to establish bilateral guarantees but was met with unconditional skepticism from Tehran. Shamkhani expressed disappointment with this behavior, calling it “a thorny wire” and “an empty gesture” lacking real substance. He noted that diplomacy requires honesty and consistency and emphasized that terrorist threats and “lying promises” only complicate paths to mutual understanding. Another important aspect, as stated by Iranian officials, is that Tehran proposed an alternative to the complete dismantling of the nuclear program — the creation of a joint enterprise involving regional Arab countries, despite existing regional tensions. This enterprise could engage in nuclear enrichment under the supervision of international inspectors, considering regional interests and including American investments. Iran sees this proposal as a compromise and a response to US demands for full disarmament. Recall that negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program resumed on May 11. High-level delegations crossed paths to discuss Tehran’s future nuclear plans. The main idea of the Iranian delegation is to establish an alternative system for nuclear fuel production that takes regional interests into account while adhering to international safety and transparency standards. Meanwhile, the US remains firm on the issue of dismantling Iran’s nuclear program, insisting that sanctions will remain in place without complete disarmament. The prospects for reaching a compromise remain uncertain. Depending on the political will of both sides, the key international players, and the domestic political situation, the situation could develop in any direction—from a full breakthrough and the establishment of long-term peace to a frozen conflict amid growing diplomatic tensions. One thing is clear: the next steps taken by the Iranian and American governments will be among the most significant in the fields of regional security and nuclear non-proliferation worldwide.