Asia

Asia

Iranian official: Tehran and Washington differ on sanctions relief

22 February 2026 17:39 (UTC +04:00)

Iran and the United States hold differing positions on the issue of sanctions relief in negotiations aimed at limiting Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, APA reports.

On Sunday that the two sides remain divided over how and to what extent sanctions should be lifted.

He added that new talks are planned for early March at a time when concerns about potential military confrontation are rising.

Iran and the United States resumed negotiations earlier this month to resolve a decades-long dispute over Tehran’s nuclear program. The process is unfolding against the backdrop of an increased U.S. military presence in the Middle East, fueling fears of a broader conflict.

Iran has stated that if it comes under attack by U.S. forces, it would target American military bases in the Middle East.

“The latest round of talks showed that U.S. proposals regarding the scope and mechanism of sanctions relief differ from Iran’s demands. Both sides must agree on a logical timeline for lifting sanctions. This roadmap must be substantive and based on mutual interests,” the official said.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that he expects to prepare a draft counterproposal in the coming days. U.S. President Donald Trump has meanwhile indicated that he is considering limited military strikes.

Readiness for compromise

The U.S. demand for “zero enrichment” has been one of the main points of contention in past negotiations, and Tehran has rejected it. However, Iran has signaled readiness for certain compromises regarding its nuclear activities.

Washington believes that uranium enrichment on Iranian territory could provide a potential pathway to nuclear weapons. Iran denies any intention to acquire nuclear arms and insists on recognition of its right to enrich uranium.

The United States has also demanded that Iran give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The UN nuclear watchdog estimated last year that Iran possessed more than 440 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60 percent – a level considered close to the 90 percent threshold regarded as weapons-grade.

The Iranian official said Tehran could seriously consider exporting part of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, reducing its enrichment level, and establishing a regional enrichment consortium in exchange for recognition of its right to peaceful nuclear enrichment.

“Negotiations are ongoing, and there is a possibility of reaching an interim agreement,” he added.

Benefits for both sides

Iranian officials say a diplomatic solution could bring economic benefits to both Tehran and Washington.

“As part of the economic package under discussion, the United States has also been offered opportunities for significant investment in Iran’s oil industry and for real economic interests,” the official said.

However, he stressed that Tehran will not relinquish control over its oil and mineral resources.

“In the end, the United States can only be an economic partner for Iran – nothing more. American companies may participate in Iran’s oil and gas fields as contractors,” he said.