Iran Open to Nuclear Deal If U.S. Drops Unrealistic Demands, Says Foreign Minister

Iran is open to reaching a nuclear agreement with the United States if Washington avoids unrealistic demands, said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Friday, ahead of the second round of nuclear talks. Speaking in Moscow after a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Araqchi emphasized that the path to a deal is possible if the U.S. shows seriousness and flexibility.

The first round of indirect negotiations took place last week in Oman, and a follow-up round is scheduled for Saturday in Rome, with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi acting as intermediary. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei highlighted concerns over contradictory U.S. statements and called on Washington to clarify its position and intentions.

According to a senior Iranian official, Tehran expressed willingness to cap uranium enrichment levels during the Oman talks, but demanded strong guarantees that President Donald Trump would not again abandon any agreement. Trump pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal during his first term and has recently threatened military action unless a new deal is reached.

While Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, the U.S. and its allies remain skeptical. Trump reiterated his stance on Friday, stating, “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. I want them to be prosperous, but without the bomb.”

Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to support and mediate the negotiations, citing Moscow’s historical role in previous agreements. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei also sent a letter with Araqchi to brief Russian President Vladimir Putin, with plans for a similar briefing in Beijing soon.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Washington seeks a peaceful resolution but remains firm in preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.