TEHRAN, IRAN – As negotiations between Iran and the United States resume, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy, Hamid Ghanbari, highlighted key areas of potential cooperation, including energy, mining, and aircraft deals. Ghanbari indicated that the 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers did not sufficiently secure U.S. economic interests.
Tensions and Diplomacy
Days prior to the second round of indirect talks scheduled for Tuesday in Geneva, Iran issued threats to target U.S. bases in the Middle East in case of attack. However, on Sunday, Iran adopted a more conciliatory tone, emphasizing the importance of mutual benefits in the negotiations.
Ghanbari told the semi-official Fars News Agency that “for the durability of an agreement, it is essential that the U.S. also benefits in areas with high and immediate economic returns.” He added that negotiations encompass interests in oil and gas fields, joint energy projects, mining investments, and aircraft procurement, according to Reuters.
Negotiation Details
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi left Tehran for Geneva on Sunday to participate in the indirect talks, which are mediated solely by Iran and the U.S., with Oman acting as a facilitator. The meeting is set for Tuesday, with reports indicating a U.S. delegation led by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be involved—details confirmed by a senior Iranian official.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked on Saturday that Witkoff and Kushner are traveling to Geneva for “important meetings,” though specifics remain undisclosed.
Iran’s Stance and Flexibility
Iran has signaled willingness to compromise on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi told the BBC that the “ball is in America’s court” to demonstrate genuine interest in reaching an agreement. He also referenced Iran’s readiness to dilute its highly enriched uranium in exchange for the lifting of sanctions, a move Iran’s atomic chief indicated could happen.
However, Tehran maintains it will not accept zero uranium enrichment, a key issue for the U.S., which views enrichment as a potential pathway to nuclear weapons—an allegation Iran denies.
Regional and Global Context
The U.S. has increased economic and military pressure on Iran, including efforts to curb Iran’s oil exports to China, which accounts for over 80% of Iran’s oil revenue. Additionally, in June, the U.S. and Israel carried out air strikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites.
President Donald Trump’s administration withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, reimposing stringent sanctions on Iran. Currently, the U.S. has deployed a second aircraft carrier to the region amid concerns over the negotiations’ progress and potential escalation.
Outlook
Iran is seeking an agreement that provides economic benefits and lifts sanctions, while the U.S. remains cautious about Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The upcoming Geneva talks are seen as a critical juncture in efforts to revive the nuclear deal and ease regional tensions.
