Washington: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently stated that both the United States and Iran appear willing to make concessions in order to reach a nuclear agreement.
According to Anadolu Agency, Fidan emphasized that Washington has shown a readiness to be flexible regarding its key demand for Iran to cease all uranium enrichment.
Fidan, speaking with the Financial Times, expressed his belief that Tehran is genuinely seeking a real agreement and would agree to restrictions on enrichment levels along with a strict inspections regime, similar to the 2015 agreement with the US and other world powers. "It is positive that the Americans appear willing to tolerate Iranian enrichment within clearly set boundaries," he noted. Fidan highlighted that both parties recognize the need for a deal, understanding each other's limits, and warned against trying to force issues unnecessarily.
He further opined that if the US insists on addressing all issues simultaneously-including Iran's ballistic missile arsenal and support for regional militant groups-the nuclear file would not progress. Fidan cautioned that such an approach could lead to another conflict in the region.
His remarks come as Iran and the US are set to resume negotiations in Oman after nearly an eight-month hiatus, which was seen as a positive step by both sides. Although initial plans were for talks in Turkey's Istanbul with regional powers as observers, Tehran insisted on Oman as the location, focusing discussions solely on the nuclear program.
Following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump reiterated the importance of continuing negotiations with Iran to determine the possibility of a deal. Trump warned of potential consequences if an agreement is not reached, referencing past actions against Iran.
Fidan mentioned efforts by Ankara and other regional governments to develop creative solutions for Iran's ballistic missile program and support for militants, suggesting their potential constructive and effective role in the discussions. He also expressed concern over Netanyahu's influence on Trump's stance, given Israel's focus on maintaining military superiority in the region.
Fidan urged both the Trump administration and Iran to avoid past mistakes, particularly the exclusion of regional states from talks that led to the 2015 nuclear deal. He stressed the importance of Iran pairing any agreement with the US with steps to strengthen confidence with regional partners to bridge the significant trust gap.
In light of recent regional tensions and unrest within Iran, Fidan acknowledged Tehran's awareness of its precarious position. He noted that Iran recognizes the need to resolve economic difficulties driving public unrest and highlighted the potential impact of US military actions.
Ultimately, Fidan cautioned against expectations of regime change through US strikes, suggesting that while significant damage could occur, the Iranian regime would likely continue to function as a political entity.