TEHRAN (Tasnim): Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has signaled Tehran’s willingness to pursue a “win-win” diplomatic agreement with the United States over its nuclear program, even as Washington assembles one of the largest military buildups in the Middle East in decades.
In an interview with CBS’s Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan, Araqchi confirmed that Iranian and US officials are expected to meet in Geneva later this week to continue nuclear-focused negotiations. He emphasized that diplomacy remains the only viable path forward despite escalating tensions, and rejected calls from some US lawmakers demanding zero uranium enrichment.
Araqchi stressed that the talks would focus exclusively on nuclear matters. “Right now, we are negotiating only nuclear and there is no other subject,” he said, underlining Iran’s commitment to keeping other issues, including regional security concerns and missile programs, outside the scope of the current discussions.
The Iranian foreign minister highlighted Iran’s legal right under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes. He said, “Enrichment is our right. We are a member of NPT, and we have every right to enjoy peaceful nuclear energy, including enrichment. How we use this right is related only to us.” Araqchi also noted that Iran is willing to cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including the implementation of the Additional Protocol if conditions are acceptable, ensuring a robust verification and monitoring system.
Addressing US concerns over military escalation, Araqchi warned that Tehran sees no need for a US buildup in the region and that such actions cannot pressure Iran into concessions. “Military buildup cannot help it, and cannot pressurize us,” he said. He argued that past negotiations prove diplomacy can yield a solution that accommodates both sides’ interests, calling the prospects for a “win-win” agreement achievable in the near future.
Araqchi also drew comparisons with the 2015 nuclear deal under the Obama administration, noting that technological advancements and changing circumstances could allow for a better deal this time. “We can agree on basic things and make sure Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful forever,” he said. He added that the new deal could potentially lift more sanctions than the previous agreement.
When asked about US pressure for complete dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program, Araqchi rejected the notion, stressing Iranian sovereignty and national pride. “We have developed this technology ourselves by our scientists, and it is very dear to us. There is no legal reason to give it up while everything is peaceful and safeguarded,” he said, recalling that the United States had previously withdrawn from the 2015 deal without justification.
Araqchi responded cautiously to questions about potential military conflict, emphasizing Iran’s capability for self-defense. He said that Iran’s missile systems demonstrated precision and reach in past conflicts with Israel, and the country remains fully prepared to defend itself if necessary. However, he underscored that Iran does not seek war and prefers a peaceful resolution.
Regarding US personnel in the Middle East, Araqchi warned that any act of aggression against Iran would be met with legitimate defensive measures against regional bases, but he clarified that Iranian missiles cannot strike US soil. He reiterated the country’s preference for diplomacy over military escalation.
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