Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Sunday that Tehran is prepared to restart nuclear negotiations if the United States removes sanctions on the Islamic Republic. The statement signals that the long-stalled diplomacy could move forward, but only if Washington makes the first concession.

The comment comes as tensions over Iran’s nuclear program remain high and economic pressure continues to weigh on ordinary Iranians. Sanctions have helped deepen financial hardship inside the country, even as officials in Tehran insist they will not return to talks without relief.

Reuters reported the ministry’s position as part of the latest round of signaling between Iran and the United States. No new meeting was announced, and neither side has publicly outlined a concrete path back to formal negotiations.

For now, the exchange leaves the future of the nuclear file uncertain. Any renewed talks would likely hinge on whether both governments can bridge a familiar gap: sanctions relief for Tehran, and verifiable limits on Iran’s nuclear activity for Washington and its allies.