Russia says Iran may agree to limit its nuclear program if sanctions lifted

Moscow does not rule out the possibility that its staunch allies in Tehran may consent to restricting their nuclear program and enhancing transparency in return for the lifting of Western sanctions, Haaretz reported citing the Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman.

In an interview published by the Israeli newspaper on Sunday, Maria Zakharova referred to the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran and said, "A similar approach might be useful now in order to stabilize the situation."

"We are prepared for the closest cooperation with Tehran and with the other involved parties for the sake of reducing tension and finding sustainable solutions that will enable an effective and long-term accord," she was quoted as saying.

Iran had largely restricted its nuclear program in exchange for some sanctions relief as per the agreement it signed in July 2015 with world powers, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

However, the deal reached under US President Barack Obama was criticized by his successor Trump, who pulled out of the agreement, as too lenient on Tehran.

Trump warned on Friday that the situation with Iran had reached a critical stage, adding that he preferred to reach a deal over Tehran's nuclear program.

“We can’t let them have a nuclear weapon,” Trump told reporters at the Oval Office. “We are at final moments with Iran. Something’s going to happen very soon."

There’ll be some interesting days ahead, that’s all I can tell you. You know, we’re down to final strokes with Iran,” he added.

He also said he has sent a letter to Iran's supreme leader. However, Ali Khamenei on Saturday ruled out the possibility of negotiation with the United States, in his first public speech after Trump's remarks.