The story: As efforts continue to bridge political differences between Iran and the US that prevent a restoration of the 2015 nuclear deal, Tehran is signaling that it can live without the accord—and playing up its expertise in "neutralizing" western sanctions.

At the same time, Iran maintains that it is serious about reviving the nuclear deal, saying that progress hinges on political decisions that need to be made in the US.

The coverage: Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Baqeri-Kani on May 15 hailed the Islamic Republic's ability to "neutralize" sanctions...