Tehran seeks sanctions relief yet resists full rollback, threatening regional stability and Israel’s survival.
Iran has indicated it may consider limited compromises in renewed nuclear negotiations with the United States, but is refusing to accept zero uranium enrichment — a condition long viewed by Israel and many in Washington as essential to preventing a nuclear breakout.
Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi told the BBC that Tehran is willing to discuss constraints on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. However, he reiterated that Iran will not link nuclear discussions to its ballistic missile program and will not abandon enrichment altogether.
Talks Resume in Geneva
A second round of negotiations is scheduled for February 17 in Geneva, following preliminary contacts in Oman earlier this month. According to diplomatic sources, U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to attend, with Omani representatives mediating discussions.
Iran’s atomic chief suggested Tehran could dilute its most highly enriched uranium if all financial sanctions are lifted — a proposal presented as proof of “flexibility.” Yet Iran remains firm that it will not accept zero enrichment, a sticking point that derailed previous negotiations.
Strategic Stakes for Israel
The United States previously withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement — formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action — under President Donald Trump, citing concerns that enrichment inside Iran preserved a pathway to nuclear weapons capability.
While Tehran denies pursuing atomic weapons, Israeli officials consistently warn that allowing domestic enrichment infrastructure keeps Iran within reach of rapid weaponization.
As talks resume, the central question remains whether sanctions relief will come at the cost of leaving Iran’s nuclear infrastructure intact — a scenario Israel views as an existential risk.
