Iran-US sanctions relief clash looms as March talks eyed

Iranian officials say the latest talks show the United States and Iran disagree on the scope and sequencing of sanctions relief, with new talks planned for early March. Tehran rejects zero enrichment and offers compromises—such as exporting part of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, diluting enrichment levels, or forming a regional enrichment consortium—in exchange for recognition of Iran's right to peaceful nuclear enrichment, while Washington ties relief to broader concessions and possible economic engagement, including investment in Iran's oil sector. Both sides see potential interim deals and mutual economic benefits if a diplomatic path is found, and Tehran has warned it could retaliate if attacked.