Iran says nuclear-free condition could seal deal with US

Iran has stated that an agreement with the United States could be reached easily during upcoming talks in Oman, provided Washington's sole demand is that Tehran refrain from developing nuclear weapons.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, indicated that Tehran has no interest in pursuing nuclear arms, and if the US restricts its demands to ensuring that Iran does not possess nuclear weapons, a new agreement could be within reach, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Takht-Ravanchi emphasised that success in the negotiations would depend on the political will of all parties involved.

However, he cautioned that any attempts to complicate the talks by introducing additional issues could hinder the chances of reaching an agreement.

The first round of consultations between Iranian and US delegations is scheduled for April 12 in Oman.

Earlier, on April 10, Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to the country’s supreme leader, warned that Iran may suspend cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog if external threats persist.

"Continued external threats and putting Iran under the conditions of a military attack could lead to deterrent measures like the expulsion of IAEA inspectors and ceasing cooperation with it. Transferring enriched material to safe and undisclosed locations in Iran could also be on the agenda," he said.

This statement comes after U.S. President Donald Trump warned of military force if Tehran does not reach a nuclear deal. Iranian and American diplomats are set to visit Oman on April 12 to begin dialogue on Tehran's nuclear programme. Trump added that he would have the final word on whether talks are nearing a breakdown, which would put Iran in "great danger."

The U.S. previously withdrew from a 2015 nuclear deal under Trump, which led to the reimposition of sweeping sanctions. Iran has since exceeded the deal’s uranium enrichment limits, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). While Western powers accuse Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, Tehran maintains its nuclear programme is solely for civilian energy purposes.

By Aghakazim Guliyev