Context:

Iran has expressed readiness to sign a nuclear deal with the United States under President Donald Trump, contingent upon the lifting of economic sanctions. Ali Shamkhani, a senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader, stated that Iran would forego the development of nuclear weapons and reduce uranium enrichment to levels needed for civilian use, with international oversight. This represents a significant public statement from Iran’s leadership about their willingness to negotiate. Shamkhani, however, criticized Trump's approach, which he described as offering an 'olive branch' while maintaining threatening rhetoric. Additionally, there is concern about Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's potential influence on the U.S. decision-making process, though Trump appears to be distancing himself from Netanyahu’s aggressive stance toward Iran.

Dive Deeper:

• Iran, through Ali Shamkhani, has indicated it is willing to sign a nuclear agreement with the U.S., provided all economic sanctions are lifted immediately. The agreement would involve Iran ceasing the creation of nuclear weapons and allowing international inspections of its nuclear facilities.

• Shamkhani's remarks mark one of the clearest indications from Iran's leadership about their conditions for a possible agreement, emphasizing a commitment to only enriching uranium for civilian purposes.

• The interview with Shamkhani occurred shortly after President Trump extended an offer to Iran that included both incentives and threats, which Shamkhani criticized for being contradictory.

• There are ongoing talks between the U.S. and Iran, with varying views on progress. While Trump's envoy described recent discussions as 'encouraging', Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi characterized the negotiations as 'difficult but useful'.

• Shamkhani expressed concerns that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's influence might undermine the negotiations, suggesting that removing this 'Bibi effect' could facilitate a deal.

• Recent reports suggest a growing rift between Trump and Netanyahu, with Trump potentially seeing more benefit in reaching a diplomatic agreement with Iran rather than pursuing military action, as preferred by Netanyahu.

• The International Atomic Energy Agency has noted Iran's enrichment of uranium to near weapons-grade levels, highlighting the urgency and stakes involved in the negotiations.