Iran Ready for Nuclear Deal If US Lifts Sanctions, Says Deputy Foreign Minister

Tehran. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi has stated that if the United States is willing to discuss lifting sanctions on Iran, they are ready to reach a nuclear agreement.

Majid's statement comes at a time when US officials have repeatedly claimed that Iran, not the US, is responsible for the lack of progress in the long-running negotiation process.

On Saturday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that President Donald Trump wants a deal but that it is very difficult to reach an agreement with Iran. In an interview with the BBC in Tehran, Takht-Ravanchi said that proving the willingness to make a deal is now in the hands of the US.

“If they are honest, I am confident that we will move towards a deal,” he said. Trump had warned that the country would be attacked if there was no agreement to limit Iran's nuclear program. Meanwhile, the US has increased its military presence in the region.

The US and Iran held indirect talks in Oman in early February. Ravanchi confirmed that the second round of talks is scheduled for Tuesday in Geneva. He added that while the talks were somewhat positive, it was too early to draw any conclusions. Trump has also called the talks positive.