‘Related To Earlier Talks With US’: Iran Reacts To Report Of ‘Abandoning’ Its Nuclear Programme

Last Updated:March 05, 2026, 3:47 pm IST

The US and Israel launched ‘Operation Epic Fury’, which killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after backchannel talks via mediator Oman over a nuclear deal with Iran failed

A plume of smoke rises after a strike on the Iranian capital of Tehran on March 5, 2026. (Image: AFP)

Iran has reacted to a media report, which quoted its deputy foreign minister on how it is “ready to abandon” its nuclear programme only if the United States provides a “satisfactory alternative”.

According to the state-run IRNAthis statement by deputy foreign minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi is related to “earlier talks with the US” on their nuclear deal.

The clarification comes amid the raging West Asia conflict, which entered its sixth day. Takht-Ravanchi’s comments on the nuclear programme which were reported by Sky News Arabia.

“Iran is ready to abandon its nuclear programme on condition that the United States presents a satisfactory alternative offer,” Takht-Ravanchi was quoted.

Later, IRNA clarified that these comments were related to earlier talks with the US, which launched ‘Operation Epic Fury’ with Israel after backchannel talks via mediator Oman over a nuclear deal with Iran failed. The joint attack also killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28.

Tehran has said it entered negotiations with Washington DC despite doubts about American intentions, but was attacked before the set timeline.

The US, meanwhile, has said the ultimate goal of the current military engagement with Iran is a regional transition that ensures the West Asia region no longer poses a global security risk. It has said the Trump administration’s current stance was not an initial preference but a result of failed diplomatic overtures on Iran’s nuclear programme. It has also warned that if the Iranian regime achieves its weapons goals, it would be a global threat.

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