WANA (Aug 11) – Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, said that Iran would accept certain restrictions on the development of its nuclear program if U.S. sanctions were lifted.

 

In an interview with a Japanese media, Takht-Ravanchi stated that in exchange for the removal of American sanctions, Tehran would agree to temporary limits on its peaceful nuclear activities as part of what he described as a “fair and win-win agreement.”

 

Nuclear talks between Iran and the United States remain stalled due to significant differences — Washington has demanded a complete end to uranium enrichment, while Tehran has rejected this outright. On the eve of the sixth round of talks mediated by Oman, Iran came under Israeli military attack, later joined by the United States, which bombed three of Iran’s nuclear facilities.

 

According to the report, Iran increased its uranium enrichment level to 60%, close to the 90% threshold for weapons-grade material. However, Takht-Ravanchi did not specify how much the enrichment level might be reduced, reiterating his refusal to accept any halt to enrichment, calling it “out of the question.”

 

“Iran can be flexible on capacity and limits to enrichment,” he said, “but under no circumstances will it agree to stop enrichment altogether. It is essential, and we must rely on ourselves, not on empty promises. It’s simple: if the United States insists on zero enrichment, then we have no agreement.”

 

Accusing the U.S. of “pretending to engage in talks to deceive us,” Takht-Ravanchi said Iran is “ready to negotiate” but that Washington must clarify “whether it is truly interested in a win-win dialogue or in imposing its will.”

 

He called for accountability over the recent attacks “in order to create a sincere dialogue,” noting that while receiving compensation for the aggressive strikes is not a precondition for future talks, the issue will be raised during negotiations. “The U.S. attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities were illegal and caused serious damage. We have every right to demand compensation,” he said.

 

Takht-Ravanchi confirmed that Tehran continues indirect communications with the U.S. through a mediator but made no mention of when talks might resume. Condemning both Israeli and American aggression, he stressed, “For negotiations to continue, Washington must guarantee that it will not attack Iran again if talks are resumed.”

 

He also reaffirmed that limiting Iran’s missile program is “off the table.”

 

Despite heightened tensions, Takht-Ravanchi said diplomatic channels through intermediaries remain open, warning that any new U.S. threats will be met with firm defense.

 

He criticized the European trio’s end-of-August deadline regarding the trigger mechanism as “unilateral” but reiterated Tehran’s willingness to continue discussions with European powers.

 

Takht-Ravanchi emphasized that Iran’s nuclear program “will remain peaceful” and that Tehran is ready to cooperate with the UN nuclear watchdog to ensure safe and transparent inspections — including at facilities damaged in recent attacks — under new guidelines to be agreed with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

 

Iran has repeatedly stated that its nuclear activities are for civilian purposes such as energy production and medical research, while Western powers have long alleged that it seeks the capability to build nuclear weapons.

 

In June, Israel and the United States carried out aggressive actions against Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, prompting a forceful Iranian response under “True Promise 3,” which targeted U.S. interests in Qatar and ultimately compelled a ceasefire on the aggressors.

The Second Round of Iranian Missile Strikes on Occupied Territories in Day Three of the Iran-Israel War, June 15, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency

The Second Round of Iranian Missile Strikes on Occupied Territories in Day Three of the Iran-Israel War, June 15, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency