Iran Calls on US to Prove Sincerity in Nuclear Talks

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister says the ball is in Washington's court to show it wants a deal.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi has said the US must demonstrate its seriousness about reaching an agreement with Tehran over the nuclear issue. Takht-Ravanchi stated that recent contacts between the two countries have shown the US is seeking to resolve the dispute peacefully, but warned that a war would be "bad for everybody." He added that Iran is ready to discuss its nuclear program with the US, but only if Washington is also willing to address the issue of sanctions.

Why it matters

The ongoing nuclear negotiations between Iran and the US have been a major geopolitical issue for years, with both sides taking hardline positions. Takht-Ravanchi's comments suggest Iran is willing to compromise, but wants the US to reciprocate by showing it is genuinely committed to reaching a deal and lifting sanctions.

The details

Takht-Ravanchi said the "issue of zero enrichment is not an issue anymore" for Iran, contradicting recent statements by US President Donald Trump who said the US-proposed policy of zero enrichment remains on the table. The Iranian diplomat stated that Tehran is ready to discuss its nuclear program with Washington, but only if the US is also willing to address the issue of sanctions.

  • The interview with Takht-Ravanchi was published on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Majid Takht-Ravanchi

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister who stated that the US must demonstrate its seriousness about reaching a nuclear deal with Iran.

Donald Trump

The US President who has repeatedly demanded that Iran completely abandon its nuclear program and adopt a "zero enrichment" policy, which contradicts Takht-Ravanchi's claims.

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What they’re saying

“If [the Americans] are sincere, I'm sure we will be on the road to an agreement.”

— Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister (BBC)

“We don't want any enrichment.”

— Donald Trump (RT.com)

The takeaway

The comments from Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister suggest a potential shift in the country's negotiating position, indicating a willingness to compromise on the nuclear issue if the US reciprocates by demonstrating its sincerity about reaching a deal and addressing the sanctions. However, the continued divergence between Iran and the US on the issue of enrichment highlights the challenges that remain in the negotiations.