Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister: US giving conflicting signals

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: "Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister: US Giving Conflicting Signals"

Podcast: The Interview (BBC World Service)
Host: Lise Doucet
Date: February 18, 2026
Guest: Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran and top nuclear negotiator

---

Episode Overview

This episode features an in-depth conversation between the BBC's Lise Doucet and Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister and chief nuclear negotiator, recorded in Tehran on the eve of new indirect US–Iran nuclear talks in Geneva. The discussion focuses on the prospects for a renewed nuclear deal, ongoing US-Iran tensions, the risk of war in the region, and the complex interplay of diplomacy and military threats. The episode also touches on recent protests in Iran and the international response to Iran's domestic situation.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Climate of Uncertainty: War or Diplomacy?

• [01:41 – 02:52] Lise Doucet outlines the tense situation: Iranians are enduring economic hardship due to sanctions and rising inflation, while military tensions escalate. Protests have been met with lethal force, adding to the unrest.
• Iran faces a stark dilemma: a possible diplomatic breakthrough or descent into another devastating conflict.

2. Conflicting US Signals

• [02:52 – 05:32] Takht-Ravanchi immediately brings up the contradictory messages from the US:
  • While public and private channels suggest diplomatic intentions, military build-up and threats of regime change undermine trust.
  • Quote: “We are hearing mixed signals. Even there has been a talk about regime change. We want diplomacy to be successful, but at the same time, we have to be very cautious. We have to take every precautionary measures… We will defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity with all means available to us in case of an attack.” (Majid Takht-Ravanchi, [02:52])
• [06:45 – 07:30] On remarks following US–Israel meetings: Even as President Trump expresses a desire for continued negotiations, threats of regime change and military force loom large.

3. Risks and Consequences of Conflict

• [07:30 – 09:06]
  • The Iranian position: “We are not interested in war… but if [war] does happen, we will reciprocate… those who have attacked us will bear the responsibility, those will be hit.” (Majid Takht-Ravanchi, [07:57])
  • A potential war would engulf the entire region: “It is a different game. The whole region will be in mess. Why do we need a war?” ([08:19])

4. The Scope of Negotiations: Nuclear Deal Only

• [09:06 – 10:06]
  • Iran insists only the nuclear file is on the table, refusing to negotiate over its ballistic missiles or regional activities. Missiles, Takht-Ravanchi argues, are part of Iran’s non-negotiable defensive capabilities.
  • US appears to acknowledge this focus, at least for the first phase.
  • Quote: “The only topic for agenda is… the nuclear issue.… We do not compromise on our defensive capabilities as no other country does.” ([09:16])

5. Possible Compromises & Sanctions Relief

• [10:23 – 10:54]
  • Iran is open to suspending nuclear enrichment or diluting highly enriched uranium—if all sanctions are lifted in return.
  • [11:39] “We are ready to discuss this and other issues related to our program, provided that they are ready also to talk about the sanctions… it has to be a give and take.”
• [12:38] Iran will not accept “zero enrichment” demands.
  • Quote: “Zero enrichment is not on the table… we have paid a huge price for our enrichment activities.… Therefore, enrichment is an essential part of any negotiations…” ([12:38])

6. Timeline and Prospects for a Deal

• [13:34 – 15:13]
  • Optimism is cautious: “It is too early to say whether we will reach an agreement, but as I said, the first round was… a good start.” ([13:34])
  • Rejects setting artificial deadlines for reaching a deal: “Putting artificial deadline is a disservice to the whole exercise.” ([13:52])

7. Public vs. Private Signaling from the US

• [18:09 – 18:21]
  • Public talk of regime change does not match private diplomatic communication.
  • Quote: "We are not hearing these slogans in the private conversation that I can tell you." ([18:21])
• [18:45 – 19:11]
  • A war would be traumatic for all, not just Iran.
  • “If we feel that this is an existential threat, we will respond accordingly.” ([18:45])

8. Regional Diplomacy and Anti-war Sentiment

• [19:53 – 20:41]
  • Near-unanimous regional opposition to military conflict. Most Arab leaders are appealing to the US to avoid war.
  • Quote: "It is as if… the whole region is calling for peace and only a few countries are calling for war." ([20:02])

9. Iran’s Handling of Protests & International Criticism

• [21:03 – 23:33]
  • Takht-Ravanchi differentiates between peaceful demonstrators and violent rioters.
  • Criticizes the US and President Trump for incitement to violence.
  • Defends Iran’s record, asserting peaceful protest is constitutionally protected, while violence is unacceptable.
  • Quote: "We are not talking about peaceful demonstrations which are allowed under our constitution… but when it comes to violence, nobody tolerates violence." ([22:23])

10. Future Outlook: Diplomacy vs. Hostility

• [23:44 – 24:50]
  • Iran is committed to diplomacy but will stay alert to threats.
  • “It's a mixed feeling.… We should promote diplomacy as we always do, at the same time, we have to be aware of any attempt by our adversaries.” ([23:44])

11. Who Holds the Key?

• [25:18]
  • Takht-Ravanchi insists the “ball is in America’s court” regarding serious negotiations and a potential agreement.
  • “If there is a sincerity, if we see a sincerity on their part, I'm sure that we will be on a road to have an agreement.” ([25:18])

---

Notable Quotes

• “We want diplomacy to be successful, but… we have to take every precautionary measure.”
  – Majid Takht-Ravanchi ([02:52])

• “We will defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity with all means available.”
  – Majid Takht-Ravanchi ([02:52], [06:45])

• “Why do we need a war?… There is no military solution to the current problem.”
  – Majid Takht-Ravanchi ([08:19])

• “Missiles are part of our defensive capabilities. We do not compromise on our defensive capabilities as no other country does.”
  – Majid Takht-Ravanchi ([09:16])

• “Zero enrichment is not on the table.… We have paid a huge price for our enrichment activities.”
  – Majid Takht-Ravanchi ([12:38])

• “Putting artificial deadline is a disservice to the whole exercise.”
  – Majid Takht-Ravanchi ([13:52])

• “If we feel that this is an existential threat, we will respond accordingly.”
  – Majid Takht-Ravanchi ([18:45])

• “It is as if… the whole region is calling for peace and only a few countries are calling for war.”
  – Majid Takht-Ravanchi ([20:02])

• “We are hopeful… but the other side has to prove that they are also sincere.”
  – Majid Takht-Ravanchi ([24:57])

• “The ball is in America’s court.”
  – Majid Takht-Ravanchi ([25:18])

---

Timeline of Key Segments

| Timestamp | Topic / Quote | |-------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:41–02:52 | Context: sanctions, protests, risk of war | | 02:52–05:32 | US “mixed signals”; Iran’s need for caution and defense | | 07:30–09:06 | Risks of escalation; Iran’s policy of reciprocal response in event of attack | | 09:06–10:06 | Iran’s demand to limit discussion to nuclear issues alone | | 10:23–11:39 | Willingness to dilute uranium / lift sanctions as part of negotiations ("give and take") | | 12:38–13:28 | Enrichment is non-negotiable; Iran "has paid a huge price" | | 13:34–15:13 | Timeline: Rejecting artificial deadlines; cautious optimism | | 18:09–18:21 | "Mixed signals": Public vs. private US statements about regime change | | 18:45–19:11 | War would be "traumatic ... for everybody"; existential threat | | 19:53–20:41 | Arab leaders, regional diplomacy, “unanimous voice… against war” | | 21:03–23:33 | Handling of protests; responses to international criticism and US incitement | | 23:44–24:50 | Outlook: diplomatic hope mixed with vigilance | | 25:18 | "The ball is in America’s court" regarding the next steps |

---

Conclusion

This episode captures the high-stakes, tense atmosphere on the eve of critical nuclear negotiations between Iran and the US. Majid Takht-Ravanchi articulates Iran’s stance: willingness for compromise on the nuclear front—if met with reciprocal sanctions relief—but insistence on defending Iran's sovereignty and security above all. Amid ongoing regional instability and conflicting messages emerging from Washington, the chances for diplomacy hinge on genuine mutual trust and focus on the nuclear issue alone. The specter of war looms, but so does a sliver of hope for peace, provided that both sides choose restraint and good faith engagement.

---

Transcript

[BBC Podcast Advertiser]

This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the uk. This message comes from Schwab At Schwab, how you invest is your choice, not theirs. That's why when it comes to managing your wealth, Schwab gives you more choices. You can invest and trade on your own. Plus get advice and more comprehensive wealth solutions to help meet your unique needs. With award winning service, low costs and transparent advice, you can manage your wealth your way at Schwab. Visit schwab.com to learn more.

[BritBox Advertiser]

You're not at the office. You're solving murders in the Scottish Highlands. You're not in your car. You're in a candlelit carriage on the way to the ball this winter. See it differently when you stream the best of British TV with BritBox. Catch new original series like Riot Women, let's Start a Riot, new seasons of fan favourites like Shetland, A Body's Been Found and unparalleled collections of Jane Austen, Agatha Christie and more. It's time to see it differently with Britbox. Watch with a free trial [e-mail].

[Lise Doucet]

Hello, I'm Lise Doucet, the BBC's chief international correspondent, and this is the interview from the BBC World Service. The best conversations coming out of the BBC People shaping our world from all over the world.

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

If you're not a little bit afraid, then you're not paying attention.

[Interviewer]

We have never seen a people so united. Do not make that boat crossing. Do not make that journey.

[Weight Watchers Advertiser]

Being born in America, feeling American, having people treat me like I'm not.

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

We're more popular than populism.

[Lise Doucet]

For this interview, I met Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Majid Tak Ravanchi, in Tehran, just as he and the rest of Iran's delegation were preparing to leave for Genev for Tuesday's indirect talks with the us. Both sides say they're making progress. Pressure has been mounting on Tehran to do a new nuclear deal in exchange for the US lifting at least some of the many sanctions now strangling Iran's economy. We've seen here how Iranians are struggling with soaring inflation and the plummeting value of their currency against the dollar. It's what sparked last month's wave of protests, which were swiftly put down with lethal force. Human rights groups say thousands were killed and the pain and anger here is still raw. Military pressure has been mounting, too. President Trump is threatening to attack if diplomacy doesn't succeed. A US Military buildup in the region continues apace. Iran is also threatening to hit hard if it comes under fire. It's a time of huge Uncertainty in Iran. Will there be a nuclear deal or another deadly war?

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

We are hearing mixed signals. Even there has been a talk about regime change. We want diplomacy to be successful, but at the same time, we have to be very cautious. We have to take every precautionary measures that we need to have in order to protect ourselves. We will defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity with all means available to us in case of an attack.

[Lise Doucet]

Welcome to the interview from the BBC World Service with Iran's deputy Foreign Minister and nuclear negotiator Magya Takt Ravanchi.

[Interviewer]

Iran described the first round of talks in Oman in early February as a good start. How would you describe them? What did you achieve?

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

Before answering your question, let me say a few words about what has happened in the last eight, nine months. You remember that we were in the middle of discussions and negotiations. We were about to start six round of discussions with Americans in Oman, June last year. Exactly. That was supposed to be held on June 15. But on June 13, early in the morning, we were surprised to see a naked aggression being imposed on Iran by the Israelis, supported by the United States. And later the US Joined the Israelis in their aggression against Iran. Since then, what has happened since then? We have seen an attempt by the Europeans, E3, supported by the United States in New York, to snap back the old resolutions, UN Security Council resolutions. And then after that, we have seen the support given to the riots in Iran. And after that, we have seen a military buildup against Iran in the Persian Gulf and neighboring. So we went to the last round of talks in Oman with all these negative developments in mind. So we were not sure whether we would be having a good discussion or a bad discussion. But our assessment is that the last round was more or less in a positive direction. But as I said, it's too early to judge. We have to wait and see whether the Americans are really interested in resolving this issue through peaceful means.

[Interviewer]

Since that round of talks, there have been messages, exchanges exchanged. Does this give you greater trust in this process? President Trump says he wants a deal. He prefers a deal.

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

Yeah. We are hearing conflicting signals from America. While we are hearing that they are interested in negotiations, they have said it publicly, they have said it in private conversation through Oman, that they are interested to have these matters being resolved through peaceful means. But at the same time, one can question why the American forces are building up around Iran, why they are using threats, why they are resorting to intimidation. So all these mixed signals give us an alert, give us something that we have to be, you know, aware. We have to be cognizant of the fact that one cannot rely on words only.

[Interviewer]

We saw, though, after President Trump met Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu, that President Trump came out and said, I want the negotiations to continue. When you see that, does that give you greater confidence?

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

You know, that was a message which was received here. But as I said, you're hearing mixed signals. Even. There has been a talk about regime change. I mean, if you are interested in a regime change, you cannot have it, you know, through diplomatic means. If you're interested in regime change. So don't talk about diplomacy. We prefer diplomacy. We want diplomacy to be successful, but at the same time, we have to be very cautious. We have to take every precautionary measures that we need to have in order to protect ourselves. We will defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity with all means available to us in case of an attack.

[Interviewer]

We hear that you have made that message very clear through your partners in the region that while you took care last time in your attacks, for example, on the Al Udeid base, military, US Military base in Qatar, that you did not want to kill any Americans, now you've made it clear that they could be a target. There's 40,000, more than 40,000American soldiers posted right across the region. Their lives could now be at risk.

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

First, we want to stress the fact that we are not interested in war. We do not want war to happen in this neighborhood.

[Interviewer]

But if it does happen, if it.

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

Does happen, I mean, we will reciprocate. We will reciprocate when we are attacked, and those who have attacked us will bear the responsibility, those will be hit.

[Interviewer]

So it's a different game this time.

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

It is a different game. The whole region will be in mess. Why do we need a war? Why do we need a war? While we can resolve this matter through peaceful needs, and we believe that we can do it, we believe that we can resolve the matter through peaceful means and through talks and negotiations, provided that both sides do not ask for extraneous issues to be included in the talks. Don't. I mean, both sides agree that they want to have a win win solution. Both sides have to bear in mind the fact that there is no military solution to this. We believe that there is no military solution to the current problem. With regard to the Iranian nuclear file.

[Interviewer]

You used the word extraneous. I think by that you mean that you only wanted to focus on the nuclear file, not on your ballistic missiles, not on your activities across the region. Is that correct?

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

You know, we have said time and Again, that the only topic for agenda is between Iran and the United States is the nuclear issue. And we are ready to engage seriously, with all honesty with the United States to resolve this matter through peaceful means. And we believe that there is a way out for this, provided that the Americans do not want to include other issues, whether it is missile or other issues. Missiles are part of our defensive capabilities. We do not compromise on our defensive capabilities as no other country does.

[Interviewer]

Does the same in the messages that you have exchanged with the United States, does it seem to you that they are ready in this first phase to just focus on nuclear.

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

Yes, our understanding is that they have come to this conclusion that if we want to have a deal, we have to focus on the nuclear issue. And the President of the United States has already said so that the only topic for discussions is the nuclear issue.

[Interviewer]

You have long experience in negotiating, including the last nuclear deal, which concluded in 2015, which President Trump pulled out of. I know you can't reveal all of your negotiations, but various compromises have been discussed that you would suspend nuclear infection enrichment. We heard from your atomic energy chief says that you would dilute your highly enriched uranium, 60% near weapons grade if all sanctions were lifted. Is that in the mix now, possible compromises to reach a deal?

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

Yeah, we are ready to engage seriously in the discussions. And when it comes to that point that everybody, I mean both sides feel that they have to do something, they have to gain something in return of something from the other side. I think that is the moment that one can say that, okay, we are moving in a direction of having an agreement. So in case of, for instance, Iranian stockpile, we have to highly enriched.

[Lise Doucet]

Highly enriched to urine, 400 kilograms.

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

Yes. We have to know if Iran gives up that material, which, as you said, that will be in the area of diluting them, what would be the price for that?

[Interviewer]

So you're willing to discuss this?

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

We are ready to discuss this and other issues related to our program, provided that they are ready also to talk about the sanctions, because sanctions, as we call it, illegal sanctions, you know, those sanctions have to be also on the table. One cannot accept the notion that Iran has to do certain things without the other side committing itself to do their share. So it has to be a give and take. That is what compromise is all about. You do something and you get something in return. So they have to also be prepared to engage seriously in terms of, you know, termination of the sanctions, all sanctions. Let's discuss, let's discuss what sanctions we are talking about. And we are ready to engage with them, to see what Iran should do and what the other side should do.

[Interviewer]

We hear some reports that the US has moved away from its demand that you have zero nuclear enrichment. Have they accepted, as far as we.

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

Are concerned, zero enrichment is not on the table? You know, we have paid a huge price for our enrichment activities. You know, we have tolerated a lot. A war of aggression was imposed on us. Our scientists, our top official, top generals have been martyred as a result of, not only related to this specific issue, but the whole nuclear program in which enrichment is an important part and parcel of our nuclear activities. So we have paid a lot for this. How can we forget all these sufferings that we have had? Therefore, enrichment is an essential part of any negotiations with regard to the Iranian nuclear issue.

[Interviewer]

You sound as though progress is being made. Are you optimistic a deal can be reached?

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

It is too early to say whether we will reach an agreement, but as I said, the first round was more or less a good one, a good start, and let's see what will happen down the road.

[Interviewer]

President Trump says he thinks it could be possible within a month. Is that possible, that timeline?

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

I really don't know. We are not bound by artificial deadline. I mean, if you ask anybody who has been engaged in serious negotiations across the world, putting artificial deadline is a disservice to the whole exercise. So that is why we should, you know, remind ourselves that, I mean, instead of putting artificial deadline, we have to show that we are serious. And if they are serious, why not? Maybe in a matter of one month we can get the job done, you know, at least the principles guiding an agreement. But to say that we are, we are bound by one month, which cannot be, you know, 100% proof that is really needed. Maybe it takes more than one month, maybe it takes less than one month. But in actual negotiations across the world, we have seen that more time is needed to go into the details of every issue at hand. Therefore, why we take the matter seriously, why we are in serious efforts to resolve this matter through peaceful means. I mean, it is not really wise to say that we have to get the job done in a specific period of time.

[Lise Doucet]

You're listening to the interview from the BBC World Service.

[Weight Watchers Advertiser]

Weight Watchers now offers access to affordable GLP1s. It works for members like, I'm Hailey and I've lost 100 pounds. Weight Watchers has everything I need, from.

[Interviewer]

Weight loss medications to nutrition support and.

[Weight Watchers Advertiser]

Help with my side effects. It's all in one place. Weight Watchers handles the insurance for you and offers affordable cash pay options with our program, our members are losing more weight with expert nutrition and side effects support.

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

I'm Mike and I've lost 135 pounds. Weight Watchers prescribing GLP1 medications. It's been life changing.

[Lise Doucet]

I'm Sharia and I lost 80 pounds on Weight Watchers. I realized that it would take more than a prescription to lose weight and.

[Interviewer]

Feel good on a GLP1.

[Weight Watchers Advertiser]

Better results expert Support Lose More weight.

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

Make it last I can't imagine doing a GLP1 without Weight Watchers.

[Weight Watchers Advertiser]

Get started for as low as $25 at weightwatchers.com glp1 for over 60 years, we've helped millions of members find what works for them. Now it's your turn. Weight Watchers Watch it work.

[ZipRecruiter Advertiser]

Finding great candidates to hire can be like, well, trying to find a needle in a haystack. Sure, you can post your job to some job board, but then all you can do is hope the right person comes along. Which is why you should try ZipRecruiter for free at ZipRecruiter.com Zip ZipRecruiter doesn't depend on candidates finding you, it finds them for you. Its powerful technology identifies people with the right experience and actively invites them to apply to your job. You get qualified candidates fast. So while other companies might deliver a lot of hay, ZipRecruiter finds you what you're looking for. The needle in the Haystack.

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

See why 4 out of 5 employers who post a job on ZipRecruiter get.

[BBC Podcast Advertiser]

A quality candidate within the first day. ZipRecruiter the smartest way to hire and right now you can try ZipRecruiter for free. That's right, free at ZipRecruiter.com Zip that's ZipRecruiter.com Zip ZipRecruiter.com Zip.

[Lise Doucet]

I'm Lise Doucet, and I've been speaking with Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister and top nuclear negotiator, Majid Tak Ravant. I first met him more than a decade ago during the talks which led to the landmark 2015 nuclear accord President Trump pulled out of in his first term. It was in this latest conversation that I began to sense that there was a growing chance that diplomacy would work. It was the way he spoke of Iran's readiness to compromise as long as those painful sanctions were were lifted. Let's return to my conversation with Majid Tak Ravanchi.

[Interviewer]

President Trump's latest remark says that regime change would be a very good thing to See, in Iran, when you hear that, what do you think? Is that really. Is that what it's all about?

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

No, that is. That is a clear example of a mixed signal that I was referring to.

[Interviewer]

But what do they tell you in the private messages? What do you listen to what he says publicly or privately?

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

No, we are not hearing these slogans in the private conversation that I can tell you.

[Interviewer]

He's made it clear that if the diplomacy doesn't succeed, it will be very traumatic for Iran, the war, and that the American military might is building in the region. Would that battle be existential for Iran?

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

It will be traumatic, existential, bad for everybody. It is not as if that Iran will suffer, only everybody will suffer, particularly those who have initiated this aggression. If we feel. If we feel that this is an existential threat, we will respond accordingly.

[Interviewer]

Do you feel it is an existential threat that's building a battle for survival?

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

I really don't know. I prefer not to comment on this because it is not wise even to think about such a very dangerous scenario, because if we come to that point, therefore, the whole region will be a mess, and we do not want to see that happening.

[Interviewer]

And is that why the Arab leaders have been on the phone? You've been on the phone to them, They've been on the phone to President Trump telling him, don't go for military action because the region would suffer immensely.

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

I mean, we have been in close contact with our neighbors, with our friends in the neighborhood, and it is very interesting that we see almost a unanimous voice in our region against the war. And that is a very interesting development. It is as if that. That the whole region is calling for peace and only a few countries are calling for war. And that speaks volumes that this region is fed up with war and conflicts. Therefore, it is best to use other avenues for resolving issues through peaceful means. And we think that they will come to their senses and even not to think military option, because military option is not a viable option.

[Interviewer]

President Trump, as you say, he gives different messages, but one of the messages he's also given is that he wants to help the protesters. Your ambassadors around the world have been called in to respond to what were described as the horrific reports of violence during your security crackdown. How much does this impact your broader diplomacy?

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

You mean broader diplomacy.

[Interviewer]

Give me a sense of Iran's place in the world to have these kind of accounts, these kinds of complaints against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

I'm sure that you have heard our officials explaining the situation where for the seven, 10 days we had Peaceful demonstrations with not much violence happening. But after seven, 10 days, we saw what has happened, and violent activities were very high and rioters were doing whatever they could. And in the midst of this, we heard President Trump saying that, go and take the institution. Health is on the way, help is on the way. So it seems to us that this is an incitement to violence in terms of our engagement with other countries. We are having normal relations with other countries.

[Interviewer]

But they haven't accepted your account. They have said you should have allowed people to express call for their basic rights and freedoms without fear of reprisals.

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

No, we are talking about, you know, violent activities in which peaceful demonstrators were also hit and killed. But we make a distinction between peaceful demonstrations and violent activities. With peaceful demonstrations, they have every right to those who are engaged in peaceful demonstrations, they have every right to express their views, their opinions on different issues, whether domestic issues or foreign issues of Iran. But when it comes to violence, nobody tolerates violence in America, The US Government does not allow even for a person to touch a weapon against a police officer, let alone using the weapon against, against the police officer. So we are talking about violent activities which cannot be tolerated. We are not talking about peaceful demonstrations which are allowed under our constitution, and the people can, can express themselves.

[Interviewer]

Minister Chakhtarabanchi, as we speak, is it your feeling that Iran is on the brink of a breakthrough in diplomacy or another war?

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

We are hopeful. We are hopeful that we can get the job done through peaceful means, although one cannot be 100% sure. That is why we have made every measures, precautionary measures, to be alert, not to be surprised again and not to. To use any chance to defend ourselves. So it's a mixed feeling while we are heading towards negotiations, while we think that we should promote diplomacy as we always do, at the same time, we have to be aware of any attempt by our adversaries, by our enemies that are trying to hit us. That is why, while we are moving in the direction of diplomacy, at the same time, we will do whatever we can to protect ourselves. And our brave armed forces personnel are doing their greatest in order to defend the homeland.

[Interviewer]

So possibly a deal is within reach, how long it will take, but it is within reach.

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

We are, at least from our side, we can say that we are hopeful. At the same time, we do our best, but the other side has to prove that they are also sincere.

[Interviewer]

Well, Marco Rubio said President Trump prefers a deal, but he said it's hard to get, very hard to get a deal with Iran. He says it's up to you.

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

No, the ball is in America's court. I mean, they have to prove that they want to have a deal with us. And if there is a sincerity, if we see a sincerity on their part, I'm sure that we will be on a road to have an agreement.

[Lise Doucet]

Thank you for listening to the interview. You'll find more in depth conversations on the interview wherever you get your BBC podcasts, including episodes with the Mayor of Kyiv, Vitaly Klitschko, geopolitical expert Professor Helen Thompson, and Colombia's President Gustavo Petro. Until the next time, Goodbye for now.

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

If there was a big red button that would just demolish the Internet, I would smash that button with my forehead. From the BBC, this is the Interface.

[ZipRecruiter Advertiser]

The show that explores how tech is.

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

Rewiring your week and your world.

[Interviewer]

This isn't about quarterly earnings or about tech reviews.

[Majid Tak Ravanchi]

It's about what technology is actually doing to your work, your politics, your everyday life, and all the bizarre ways people are using the Internet.

[ZipRecruiter Advertiser]

Listen on BBC.com or wherever you get your podcasts.