As a crucial second round of negotiations approaches in Geneva this Tuesday, February 17, Tehran is making a strategic shift. To break the nuclear deadlock, the Islamic Republic is now proposing to include entire sectors of its economy—oil, mining, and aviation—in the bargaining.

An economic seduction strategy

The new information comes from Hamid Ghanbari, deputy director of Iranian economic diplomacy. His assessment is simple: the 2015 agreement failed because it did not offer enough direct benefits to the United States.

To guarantee the sustainability of a future pact, Iran says it is ready to open lucrative sectors to American interests:

1. Energy: Joint operation of oil and gas fields.
2. Industry: Massive investments in the mining sector.
3. Aeronautics: Contracts for the purchase of civil aircraft.

By broadening the discussion beyond centrifuges, Tehran hopes to transform an ideological confrontation into a business partnership that is more difficult for a Trump administration sensitive to the "deal" to break.

Between maximum pressure and mediation

The situation remains tense, however. Washington maintains a posture of strength with two major levers:

1. Military: The deployment of a second aircraft carrier to the region as a warning.
2. Financial: A new decree allowing the imposition of 25% customs duties on third countries (targeting in particular China) trading with Iran.

Despite Benjamin Netanyahu's skepticism, who doubts Tehran's sincerity, Donald Trump seems willing to give diplomacy a chance. His envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner , will lead the discussions under Oman's auspices.

The red lines remain

While the form may change, the substance remains complex. Tehran sets its conditions:

1. The possible compromise: Dilution of highly enriched uranium in exchange for lifting sanctions.
2. The red line: A complete halt to enrichment remains unacceptable to Iran.

On the American side, realism prevails. "If it's not a solid agreement, we won't take it," warn administration officials. The Geneva meeting will determine whether the Iranian economic incentive is enough to compensate for the historical mistrust between the two powers.