Politics

Iran is working on a nuclear deal with the U.S. that could bring economic benefits for both countries, an Iranian diplomat said on Sunday, just days before the second round of discussions between Tehran and Washington. Earlier this month, Iran and the U.S. restarted talks to resolve their long-standing issues over Iran’s nuclear program and to prevent a new military conflict. U.S. officials have informed Reuters that another aircraft carrier has been sent to the area and that they are ready for a possible extended military action if the negotiations fail. During a news conference in Bratislava, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that President Donald Trump prefers a diplomatic approach and a negotiated solution, but he also mentioned that success is not guaranteed. “No one has been able to make a successful deal with Iran, but we will make an effort,” said Rubio. Iran has warned that it will target U.S. bases in the Middle East if attacked, but on Sunday, it took a more positive approach. Hamid Ghanbari, the deputy director of Iran’s foreign ministry for economic diplomacy, noted that for a lasting agreement, it is important for the U.S. to benefit from areas with quick economic returns. He mentioned that the negotiations include shared interests in oil and gas, joint fields, mining investments, and even aircraft purchases. Ghanbari argued that the 2015 nuclear deal with major powers did not protect U.S. economic interests. In 2018, Trump pulled the U.S. out of the agreement that had lifted sanctions on Iran in exchange for limits on its nuclear activities, and he reinstated strict economic sanctions on Tehran.