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.