In a significant development concerning international relations, Iran has expressed its willingness to engage in a nuclear agreement with the United States, contingent upon specific stipulations that have been articulated by Ali Shamkhani, a senior advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to a report from NBC, Shamkhani stated that Iran is prepared to commit to a non-nuclear weapons policy, which includes dismantling its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium and limiting uranium enrichment solely to civilian use under stringent international supervision.

However, Iran demands the immediate lifting of all economic sanctions imposed on it. When asked during an interview if Iran would sign a nuclear agreement today if these conditions were met, Shamkhani confidently answered, “Yes.” He elaborated that improved relations with the United States are possible if the American government adheres to its commitments, suggesting that positive diplomatic relations could lead to a more favorable future for both nations.

This overture from Iran comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s recent comments, where he extended what he referred to as an “olive branch” to Iran. However, this gesture was paired with threats of severe economic sanctions should an agreement to mitigate Iran’s nuclear ambitions not be reached. The complexity of the situation is further underscored by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s sharp criticism of Trump’s remarks, where he stated, “He thinks he can come here, chant slogans, and scare us. For us, martyrdom is far sweeter than dying in bed. You came to frighten us? We will not bow to any bully.”

Shamkhani also voiced his dissatisfaction with Trump’s approach, pointing out that while Trump talks of an olive branch, Iran has yet to perceive any substantial gesture beyond “barbed wire.” This complex interplay of diplomacy highlights the longstanding tension between the two nations.

Trump has consistently maintained that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons; however, Iran has repeatedly asserted that it is not pursuing such capabilities. Nonetheless, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which serves as the nuclear watchdog for the United Nations, reported that Iran has enriched enough uranium to a level close to that which is needed to create six nuclear bombs.

The ongoing discussions surrounding Tehran's nuclear program have seen involvement from both sides, with Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, characterizing the most recent negotiations held in Oman as “encouraging.” Conversely, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described these talks as “difficult but useful,” highlighting that while Iran refuses to compromise on the issue of enrichment, there may be temporary adjustments to levels and scope to foster confidence among negotiating parties.

“Enrichment is an issue that Iran will not give up, and there is no room for compromise on it,” Araghchi clarified. “However, its dimensions, levels, or amounts might change for a period to allow for confidence-building.”

Shamkhani raised concerns regarding potential interference from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, implying that removing Netanyahu’s influence could expedite the signing of a deal. “If the Americans remove the Bibi effect, they can easily sign the deal,” he remarked.

Interestingly, there appear to be growing tensions between Trump and Netanyahu over strategic approaches to Iran. While Netanyahu is known for his advocacy of military action against Iranian nuclear facilities, Trump appears to favor a more diplomatic route to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, according to various sources.