Iranian deputy foreign minister and nuclear negotiator Majid Takht-Ravanchi told the BBC on Sunday that, as far as Tehran is concerned, U.S. demands for zero enrichment are “not on the table anymore." The Islamic Republic is ready to consider U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposals if the Americans are willing to discuss sanctions relief, the senior Iranian official told the BBC during an interview in Tehran.
“The ball is in America’s court,” Takht-Ravanchi continued. “They have to prove that they want to have a deal with us, and if we see a sincerity on their part, I’m sure that we will be on a road to have an agreement.” Takht-Ravanchi’s claim that the “issue of zero enrichment is not an issue anymore and, as far as Iran is concerned, it is not on the table anymore” directly contradicts claims made by Trump as recently as Friday.
Trump told reporters following a military gathering at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on Friday that he continues to insist on no enrichment. “Tremendous [military] power has arrived, and additional power, as you know, another carrier is going out shortly, so we’ll see it out if we can get it settled for once and for all that would be good,” the president added. Reuters cited two U.S. officials as saying on Friday that the military had been preparing for the possibility of sustained, weeks-long operations against the Islamic Republic. (Read More)
