Report: Tehran Ready to Make Nuclear Concessions if America Responds to Its Demands

SadaNews - Iran has indicated that it is willing to make concessions regarding its nuclear program in talks with the United States in exchange for lifting sanctions and recognizing its right to enrich uranium, in a bid to avoid an American attack.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters, according to SadaNews translation, that the two sides are still significantly divided – even regarding the scope and sequence of easing tough U.S. sanctions – after two rounds of talks.

However, Reuters reported for the first time that Iran has made new concessions since the end of its talks last week, when both sides appeared far apart and on the verge of military conflict.

Analysts say this move indicates that Tehran is trying to keep diplomatic channels open and avoid a large-scale American strike.

The official stated that Iran would seriously consider a combination of sending half of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium abroad, easing the remainder, and participating in the creation of a regional enrichment federation - an idea that has been periodically proposed over years of diplomacy related to Iran.

The official said that Iran would do this in exchange for U.S. recognition of Iran's right to "peaceful nuclear enrichment" under an agreement that would also involve lifting economic sanctions.

The official added that Iran has also offered opportunities for U.S. companies to participate as contractors in its large oil and gas industries, in negotiations aimed at resolving a decades-long dispute over Tehran's nuclear activities.

The official stated, "As part of the economic package being negotiated, the U.S. has also been offered opportunities for serious investment and tangible economic interests in the Iranian oil industry."

Washington considers uranium enrichment within Iran a potential pathway to acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran denies seeking to obtain nuclear weapons and demands recognition of its right to enrich uranium.

Iran and the U.S. resumed negotiations earlier this month, amid a U.S. drive to bolster its military capabilities in the Middle East. Iran has threatened to strike U.S. bases in the region if attacked.

The Iranian official stated that recent discussions highlighted the gap between the two sides, but emphasized that "the possibility of reaching a temporary agreement remains" as negotiations continue.

Iran Seeks to Establish a "Logical Timeline" for Lifting Sanctions

The official said: "The latest round of talks showed that U.S. ideas on the scope and mechanism for easing sanctions differ from Iran's demands. Both sides need to reach a logical timeline for lifting sanctions."
"This plan must be reasonable and based on shared interests."

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Sunday that he expects to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Biegun, in Geneva on Thursday, adding that there is a "good opportunity" to reach a diplomatic solution.

Araqchi added on Friday that he expects to have a draft counter-proposal ready within days, while Trump stated he is considering launching limited military strikes.

Reuters reported on Friday that officials from both sides and diplomats from across the Gulf and Europe indicated that Tehran and Washington are rapidly heading toward military conflict as hopes for a diplomatic settlement fade.

Biegun said on Sunday that the president was wondering why Iran has not yet "surrendered" and agreed to curb its nuclear program.

Readiness to Concede on Nuclear Work

Behnam Ben Talablu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focusing on Iran, said that the Iranian leadership is seeking to buy time through talks.

He said, "Iran will use that time for various reasons, including avoiding a strike and fortifying its nuclear, missile, and military facilities."

While Tehran rejected the U.S. demand for "no enrichment" - a major sticking point in previous negotiations - it has indicated its willingness to concede on its nuclear work.

Washington has also demanded that Iran give up its stock of highly enriched uranium. The International Atomic Energy Agency estimated last year that this stock exceeds 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to levels of up to 60% purity, close to the 90% threshold considered suitable for weapons.

Ali Larijani, an advisor close to Iran's Supreme Leader, told Al Jazeera that Iran is willing to allow intensive monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency to prove that it is not seeking nuclear weapons.

The agency has been demanding Iran for months to allow inspections of three nuclear sites that were targeted by the U.S. in June of last year at the end of a 12-day Israeli bombing campaign. Since then, Tehran has announced a halt in its uranium enrichment activities.

Experts say satellite images show that Iran has made progress in work at a site that Israel reportedly bombed last year, where it recently constructed a concrete shield over a new facility in a sensitive military location and covered it with dirt.
Benefits for Both Sides

Among the U.S. demands are imposing restrictions on Tehran's long-range ballistic missiles and ending its support for regional proxy groups.

Tehran has firmly rejected discussions regarding its missiles, while sources told Reuters, without going into detail, that "the issue of regional proxies is not a red line for Tehran."

Iranian authorities have stated that a diplomatic solution would provide economic benefits for both Tehran and Washington.

The Iranian official stated that Tehran will not relinquish control over its oil and mineral resources.

"Ultimately, the United States can be an economic partner for Iran, no more. And American companies can always participate as contractors in Iran's oil and gas fields."