The story: President Hassan Rouhani has hinted that Iran is ready for a sequenced return to compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal signed with world powers. He has suggested that steps could be taken to resolve the impasse over the accord—if the US is willing to do the same. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is reportedly drafting a “constructive concrete plan of action” for the revival of the deal.

The coverage: Reformist-backed Rouhani brought up the suggestion for a new approach in a speech on March 10, saying, The United States should know...