Energy, mining, aircraft deals on table in US talks: Iran
Iran has signalled it is ready to place major economic incentives — including energy, mining and aircraft deals — on the table as part of efforts to secure a renewed nuclear agreement with the United States, days before a fresh round of indirect negotiations in Europe.
An Iranian diplomat said Tehran wants a deal that offers tangible benefits to both sides, arguing that long-term stability is unlikely unless Washington also sees clear economic gains. The comments come as Iran and the US re-entered talks earlier this month to manage their long-running dispute over Iran’s nuclear programme and avert a wider military confrontation in the Middle East.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump favours diplomacy but remains sceptical about the prospects of success. “No one has ever managed a successful deal with Iran, but we are trying,” Rubio said during a visit to Slovakia.
Despite warnings that Iran would retaliate against US bases if attacked, Tehran struck a more conciliatory tone. Hamid Ghanbari, a senior official in Iran’s foreign ministry, said the durability of any agreement depends on ensuring US economic interests. He cited potential cooperation in oil and gas development, shared energy fields, mining projects and even civilian aircraft purchases as areas under discussion.
Iranian officials argue that the 2015 nuclear deal failed to anchor US economic participation, making it politically fragile. That agreement collapsed in 2018 when Trump withdrew the US and reinstated sweeping sanctions that sharply reduced Iran’s oil exports and access to global markets.
A second round of talks is scheduled for Tuesday in Geneva, following earlier indirect discussions mediated by Oman. Sources said US envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are expected to take part.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has travelled to Geneva, where he is also due to meet officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency. Diplomats say the coming talks will test whether economic pragmatism can narrow gaps on enrichment limits, sanctions relief and regional security.
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