Tehran, Iran – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi affirmed that a diplomatic solution with the United States remains possible, while emphasizing that his country reserves its full right to self-defense if attacked.
In an interview with CBS News, Araqchi stated that he sees a “good opportunity” for reaching a diplomatic settlement between Tehran and Washington. He also suggested that a meeting with US envoy Steve Wittkopf is likely to take place in Geneva next Thursday.
A sovereign right and an affirmation of the nuclear path
Araghchi emphasized that Iran has “the right to defend itself in the event of an American attack,” adding that the decision to enrich uranium remains a sovereign matter. He clarified that the proposal Tehran is currently working on will focus exclusively on the nuclear issue.
Regarding the position of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, he indicated that work is still underway on the final draft of the proposal.
Messages exchanged and anticipation in Geneva
In response to a question about whether US President Donald Trump was brandishing the military option as a pressure tactic, Araqchi stated that diplomacy is the only way to resolve the issue of Iran’s peaceful nuclear program. He also maintained that reaching an agreement based on the principle of “mutual benefit” remains possible.
Meanwhile, Axios quoted a senior US official as saying that Washington is prepared to hold a new round of talks in Geneva on Friday, provided it receives a detailed Iranian proposal within 48 hours.
The official added that Wittkopf and Jared Kushner advised Trump to give the diplomatic track a chance before making any military decision. He also indicated that both sides are ready to begin detailed negotiations as soon as the Iranian draft is received.
These developments come amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington, with the international community watching closely to see if diplomacy can contain the crisis and avert any potential military escalation.
