Watan-Ali Shamkhani, the senior political, military, and nuclear advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, told NBC News in an interview that Iran is ready to sign a nuclear agreement with the United States, provided that economic sanctions are lifted immediately. His remarks are among the clearest public statements from within Khamenei’s inner circle regarding Iran’s willingness to reach a deal.
Shamkhani stated that Tehran would adhere to its commitment not to develop nuclear weapons, would eliminate its stock of highly enriched uranium usable for weapons production, and would limit uranium enrichment to the low levels required for civilian use, allowing international inspectors full oversight of its nuclear program.
When asked if Iran would sign the agreement if these conditions were met, Shamkhani replied, “Yes.” He added, “If the Americans act according to what they say, we can build better relations, which could lead to a better situation in the near future.”
Shamkhani Criticizes Trump’s “Olive Branch” to Iran, Warns of Netanyahu’s Influence on Nuclear Deal
This came just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump extended an “olive branch” to Iran, accompanied by threats of severe economic sanctions if Tehran did not accept the deal. Shamkhani expressed frustration with Trump’s tone, calling the offer “just barbed wire.”
Despite Iran’s continued denial of any intention to develop nuclear weapons, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that Iran has enriched a quantity of uranium to levels close to those used in the production of six nuclear bombs.
Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran have been ongoing for weeks, with Trump’s Middle East envoy describing the latest round in Muscat as “encouraging.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the talks are “difficult but useful,” noting that while Iran would not compromise on uranium enrichment, the parameters, levels, or quantities could change over a period to build trust.
Shamkhani expressed concern about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s attempts to negatively influence the negotiations by pressuring Washington, saying, “If the Americans can remove Netanyahu’s influence, the deal could be signed easily.”
It’s worth noting the growing rift between Trump and Netanyahu regarding the strategy towards Iran. Netanyahu supports a military option against Iran’s nuclear program, while Trump sees an opportunity for a deal with Tehran to prevent it from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
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