Any ‘sustainable’ Iran–US deal must deliver ‘economic benefits’ for Washington: Official

A senior Iranian diplomat has said that any sustainable agreement between Iran and the United States must provide clear and tangible economic benefits for both Washington and Tehran as indirect talks are set to resume next week. 

Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy Hamid Ghanbari made the remarks during a meeting of the Council of Heads of Commissions of the Iranian Chamber of Commerce on Sunday.

Ghanbari went on to say that under the previous agreement between Tehran and Washington, the United States did not derive sufficient economic benefit, which he described as a factor contributing to its lack of durability.

“For an agreement to be sustainable, the US must also be able to gain economic benefits,” he said.

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Ghanbari emphasized that such benefits should be defined in sectors offering high economic returns and relatively rapid implementation.

He further warned that proposals that are complex, low-yielding, or politically sensitive domestically could once again complicate efforts to reach a durable accord.

Among the sectors that can be suggested to the US were energy projects, particularly oil and gas development and joint fields, as well as mining investments capable of yielding quicker returns, according to the official. 

Ghanbari also pointed to specific urban development projects and the possibility of aircraft purchases as attractive areas for potential cooperation. 

The deputy minister further noted that the release of Iranian financial resources currently limited or blocked abroad would form a key component of any agreement, with various scenarios considered for its effective and practical implementation. 

Ghanbari underscored the need for mechanisms to ensure that released assets remain accessible and usable, drawing attention to past experiences of funds being subject to renewed restrictions. 

He also mentioned the possibility of structuring arrangements so that Iran assumes debt obligations with the released resources serving as collateral.

Ghanbari made it clear that Iran would not suspend its regular activities while negotiations are ongoing, emphasizing the importance of institutional preparedness for all situations. 

Araghchi says venue of next round of nuclear talks with US could change

The Iranian foreign minister said the venue of the next round of indirect talks with the US could be changed.

He further cautioned against allowing negotiations to delay domestic economic management, including exchange rate controls or contingency planning for potential developments.

“Everyone must be prepared for all situations,” he said, adding that while negotiations are being pursued seriously, preparedness across institutions remains essential.

Iran held indirect nuclear negotiations with the US on February 6 in Oman’s capital, Muscat.

Iran’s main demand remains the effective and verifiable lifting of economic sanctions. Officials in Tehran have repeatedly stated that any agreement without tangible economic benefit would be meaningless in practice.

Switzerland confirmed that the next round of talks will be held next week in Geneva with the mediation of Oman. 

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