Tensions between Tehran and Washington are once again under the spotlight as the possibility of renewed nuclear negotiations looms, this time with a twist: Iran is demanding a concrete act of goodwill-namely, the lifting of some sanctions or unfreezing of financial assets-before it agrees to any direct talks with the United States. The development, reported by Reuters on April 8, underscores the deep mistrust that continues to define the US-Iran relationship, even as diplomatic windows seem to reopen.

Sources cited by Reuters revealed that Iran remains hesitant about face-to-face negotiations without a gesture from Washington that signals seriousness and respect. This could take the form of relaxing some of the extensive sanctions the United States has imposed on the Islamic Republic over the years, particularly those targeting its energy sector and financial system.

The diplomatic overture comes ahead of talks set to take place this week in Oman, a nation that has long served as a backchannel for sensitive regional negotiations. These talks, according to US President Donald Trump, would ideally be “very high-level” and direct in nature. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi poured cold water on that idea, insisting that any dialogue for now would remain indirect.

Araqchi explained in an opinion piece published by The Washington Post on April 8 that indirect negotiations are not a sign of reluctance but rather a “strategic choice.” He cited what he described as “serious doubts” about Washington’s intentions, especially in light of Trump’s renewed threats and the resurrection of his controversial “maximum pressure” campaign.

The history of US-Iran relations since the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is one marred by broken agreements and mutual recriminations. That landmark accord, brokered with the backing of the United Nations, saw Iran agree to limit its nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief. It was a significant moment of rapprochement. But in 2018, then-President Trump unilaterally withdrew from the agreement, citing concerns that it did not do enough to curtail Iran’s long-term nuclear capabilities or regional activities.

Upon reentering office in January, Trump doubled down on his hawkish stance by reinstating a policy of “maximum pressure,” slapping new sanctions on Iran’s vital oil industry and increasing the economic isolation of the country. These actions, Iran argues, are not only counterproductive but illegal under international law.

Tehran has consistently denied pursuing nuclear weapons, maintaining that its atomic program is solely for civilian and scientific purposes. In his Washington Post article, Araqchi emphasized that “there is no evidence Iran has violated its commitments,” a view he said has been corroborated by US intelligence assessments on multiple occasions.

Despite the renewed diplomatic discussions, the atmosphere remains fraught. Trump’s recent statement that failure to reach an agreement would result in a “very bad day” for Iran-a veiled threat of military action-has only served to harden Iran’s resolve. Tehran responded swiftly by placing its military on high alert, signaling that it is prepared for any eventuality, even as it prefers diplomacy.

Araqchi made it clear that Iran is not seeking conflict but is ready to defend itself if provoked. “To move forward today, we first need to agree that there can be no ‘military option,’ let alone a ‘military solution,’” he said.

His remarks come amid growing international concern over Iran’s nuclear enrichment activities. Last year, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, disclosed that Iran had increased its uranium enrichment levels to 60% purity-a step that edges the country closer to weapons-grade material, which typically requires around 90% enrichment. While concerning, Iran maintains that this escalation is reversible and entirely within its rights, especially in light of Washington’s continued pressure tactics.

The demand for a “goodwill gesture” is not merely a symbolic requirement but a strategic move. According to a regional diplomat who spoke to Reuters, Iran wants to see “some sanctions lifted or some money unfrozen” as a demonstration that the United States is genuinely committed to a constructive path forward. Without such a move, direct talks are unlikely to materialize.

It’s a position rooted in hard-learned lessons. Tehran believes that trust must be earned, not promised. The collapse of the JCPOA and the return of punitive sanctions despite Iran’s alleged compliance have reinforced skepticism within Iran’s political elite. They are wary of engaging in direct dialogue that could be used by Washington to extract concessions without offering anything in return.

This conditional diplomacy puts the ball squarely in America’s court. Iran has laid out its terms and shown a willingness to negotiate, albeit indirectly. But unless Washington is prepared to demonstrate a real change in posture, the prospects for meaningful dialogue remain slim.

The stakes are high for both nations and the broader Middle East. A breakdown in diplomacy could trigger a new cycle of escalation, potentially drawing in other regional actors and destabilizing oil markets. Conversely, a successful negotiation could reinstate some form of nuclear accord, reduce the risk of armed conflict, and offer a pathway out of Iran’s economic isolation.

Yet achieving that outcome will require more than just rhetoric. It will demand trust-building, strategic concessions, and above all, political courage-qualities that have been in short supply in recent years.

The coming days will be pivotal. If the United States is serious about diplomacy, it may have to take the first step. As Araqchi rightly pointed out, “the proposal for indirect negotiations remains on the table… the ball is now in America’s court.” Whether Washington chooses diplomacy or deterrence will determine not just the future of US-Iran relations, but the stability of an entire region.

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Source: Weekly Blitz :: Writings