Tehran and Washington disagree on how sanctions tied to Iran's nuclear programme should be lifted, with new talks planned for early March. Iran has signalled it could export some HEU, dilute remaining HEU and propose a regional enrichment consortium—provided its right to peaceful enrichment is formally recognised. Abbas Araqchi expects a draft counterproposal within days, and Tehran says it will retain control of oil and mineral resources while allowing foreign firms to act as contractors.
Iran and U.S. At Odds Over Sanctions-Relief Terms; New Talks Set for Early March
Iranian women walk past an anti-U.S. billboard in Tehran, Iran, February 19, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS
A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Sunday that Tehran and Washington remain divided over both the scope and the mechanism for lifting sanctions in exchange for curbs on Iran's nuclear programme, with fresh negotiations scheduled for early March.
What Iran Is Offering—and Demanding
The official said Iran could seriously consider a package that includes exporting part of its highly enriched uranium (HEU) stockpile, diluting the purity of remaining HEU, and establishing a regional consortium for uranium enrichment. In return, Iran insists on formal recognition of its right to peaceful nuclear enrichment.
"The negotiations continue and the possibility of reaching an interim agreement exists," the official said.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said he expected to present a draft counterproposal within days following this week’s talks with the United States. The official also stressed that Tehran will not transfer control of its oil and mineral resources, although U.S. companies could participate as contractors in Iran’s oil and gas fields.
The discussions come amid heightened tensions after U.S. President Donald Trump said he was considering limited military strikes, underscoring how fragile diplomatic progress could be.
New talks in early March will test whether the two sides can bridge differences on verification, timelines and the legal mechanisms required to lift sanctions.
Help us improve.
