The US and Iran are showing flexibility in negotiations, says Turkey

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told the Financial Times that Washington seems willing to tolerate limited uranium enrichment by Iran within clearly defined limits. According to him, Tehran is aware of the need for an agreement with the US, and both sides understand their limits.

Until now, the US has demanded that Iran give up its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 percent, as a level of 90 percent is needed to produce nuclear weapons. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian insists on lifting financial sanctions and maintaining the right to enrichment.

However, Fidan believes that Tehran is genuinely interested in an agreement and is prepared to accept enrichment restrictions and a strict inspection regime similar to the 2015 agreement.

Last week, American and Iranian diplomats met in Oman through Omani mediators. The talks are taking place amid heightened tensions following the deployment of a US naval fleet to the region and President Donald Trump's consideration of sending a second aircraft carrier. Fidan also warned that extending the talks to include ballistic missiles could lead to further conflict.

(reuters, est)