Iran says US must 'prove they want to do a deal' on nuclear talks in Geneva

U.S. sanctions discussions key to Iran nuclear agreement as Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi says ball is "in America's court" Iran Iran says US must 'prove they want to do a deal' on nuclear talks in Geneva Deputy foreign minister cites diluting 60% enriched uranium stockpile as evidence of Iran’s willingness to compromise By Emma Bussey Fox News Published February 15, 2026 10:12pm EST Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video US, Iran set for nuclear talks on Tuesday in Geneva Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., says the recent uptick in U.S. naval assets in the Middle East sends a ‘serious’ message to Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei on ‘Fox Report.’ NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Iran claims it is open to compromise with the U.S. on a nuclear deal if the administration is willing to discuss lifting sanctions, a senior Iranian official said Sunday. Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, also said in an interview that the ball was "in America’s court to prove that they want to do a deal," adding: "If they are sincere, I’m sure we will be on the road to an agreement.""We are ready to discuss this and other issues related to our program if they are ready to talk about sanctions," Takht-Ravanchi told the BBC. TRUMP SAYS NUCLEAR TALKS IN OMAN WERE 'VERY GOOD,' CLAIMS IRAN WANTS A DEAL 'VERY BADLY' Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi says Iran is ready to compromise if the U.S. discusses lifting sanctions. (SAFIN HAMID/AFP via Getty Images) Takht-Ravanchi’s comments came as Iran’s top diplomat traveled to Geneva for a second round of indirect talks with the U.S. delegation. Abbas Araghchi left for the Swiss city following an initial round of negotiations last week with Oman again mediating the next round of talks, according to Iranian state media and the Associated Press.U.S. officials, however, have emphasized that Iran — not the U.S. — is holding up progress in negotiations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Feb. 14 that President Donald Trump would prefer to reach an agreement but warned it was "very hard to do" one with Iran.Past diplomatic efforts had collapsed in 2025 after Israel launched what became a 12-day war with Iran and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. SCOTT BESSENT SAYS IRAN UNDERSTANDS 'BRUTE FORCE' AS TRUMP WEIGHS OPTIONS AMID NUCLEAR STANDOFF This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran on Jan. 24, 2025. (Maxar Technologies/AP) But on Sunday, Takht-Ravanchi pointed to Tehran’s offer to dilute its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% purity as evidence of its willingness to compromise, the BBC reported.Asked whether Iran would ship its stockpile of more than 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium abroad, as it did under the 2015 deal, Takht-Ravanchi said it was "too early to say what will happen in the course of negotiations."One of Iran’s main demands is that talks focus on the nuclear issue. "Our understanding is that they have come to the conclusion that if you want to have a deal you have to focus on the nuclear issue," Takht-Ravanchi said. Takht-Ravanchi also said the "issue of zero enrichment is not an issue anymore and as far as Iran is concerned, it is not on the table anymore."TRUMP SAYS IRAN 'SERIOUSLY TALKING TO US' AS MILITARY SHIPS HEAD TO MIDDLE EAST The USS Gerald R. Ford was ordered to move to the Middle East as the U.S. prepares for the possibility of sustained operations against Iran. (Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ridge Leoni/U.S. Navy via AP)Trump has since threatened further military action if a deal to curb Iran’s nuclear program cannot be reached. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP The U.S. has also reinforced its military presence in the region amid heightened tensions and after spiraling protests across the country in December left thousands reportedly dead at the hands of the clerical regime. Emma Bussey is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital. Before joining Fox, she worked at The Telegraph with the U.S. overnight team, across desks including foreign, politics, news, sport and culture. Related Topics IranMiddle EastIsraelNuclear ProliferationDonald TrumpMarco RubioGeopolitics Antisemitism Exposed Fox News' Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world." Arrives Weekly By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. Subscribe Subscribed Subscribe You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!