Iran is aiming to reach a nuclear agreement with the United States that brings economic benefits to both countries, according to an Iranian diplomat speaking just days before a second round of negotiations between Tehran and Washington. The renewed talks are part of efforts to address their long-running dispute over Iran’s nuclear program and to avoid further military escalation in the region.
Earlier this month, Iran and the US restarted discussions to resolve tensions that have lasted for decades. Meanwhile, the US has increased its military presence by sending a second aircraft carrier to the region and is preparing for possible extended military action if negotiations fail, according to US officials.
Hamid Ghanbari, a senior official in Iran’s foreign ministry responsible for economic diplomacy, said that for any agreement to last, it must also provide quick and meaningful economic benefits to the United States. He explained that areas such as shared oil and gas fields, joint mining projects, and even aircraft purchases are being discussed as part of the negotiations. He also argued that the 2015 nuclear agreement did not secure enough economic gains for the US.
In 2018, then-President Donald Trump withdrew the US from the 2015 nuclear deal, which had eased sanctions on Iran in exchange for limits on its nuclear activities, and reimposed strict economic sanctions on Tehran.
A source told Reuters that a US delegation, including envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is scheduled to meet Iranian officials in Geneva on Tuesday. The meeting was later confirmed by a senior Iranian official. Unlike the 2015 agreement, which involved several world powers, the current talks are limited to Iran and the United States, with Oman acting as a mediator.
Iran has signaled it is open to compromise. Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said that Iran is willing to make concessions on its nuclear program if sanctions are lifted, adding that it is now up to the US to show it is serious about reaching a deal. Iranian officials have suggested they could dilute highly enriched uranium in exchange for sanctions relief. However, Tehran has made it clear it will not agree to completely stop uranium enrichment, which remains a major disagreement, as Washington sees enrichment within Iran as a potential path to nuclear weapons. Iran insists it does not seek nuclear weapons.
Tensions remain high. In June, the US joined Israel in air strikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. At the same time, Washington is increasing economic pressure. During a meeting at the White House, Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly agreed to work on reducing Iran’s oil exports to China, which buys more than 80 percent of Iran’s oil. Any reduction in this trade could significantly cut Iran’s oil revenues.
