TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Saturday that Iran is ready to reach what he called a “reassuring agreement” on its nuclear program, while stressing that a complete halt to uranium enrichment is non-negotiable.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Aragushi said Iran’s nuclear issue can only be resolved through negotiations, noting that Washington returned to negotiations after previously resorting to military pressure.
“Negotiations are the only way to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue,” Araghchi said, calling recent talks with the United States “a good starting point” but adding that “there remains a long way to go to rebuild trust” between the two countries.
He stressed that Iran’s missile program is not and will not be part of the negotiations, saying this is a defense issue outside the scope of nuclear negotiations.
Aragushi reiterated Iran’s readiness to reach an agreement on enrichment that would reassure all sides on enrichment, saying Iran was ready to build confidence and engage in what he called realistic negotiations aimed at “a fair and win-win outcome.”
At the same time, he stressed that zero enrichment is “not on the table” and said uranium enrichment is a guaranteed right and “must continue.”
“Even artillery fire could not destroy our capabilities,” he said.
Regarding regional security, Araghchi said Iran is targeting U.S. military bases in the region, not neighboring countries.
“We are not attacking neighboring countries. We are targeting US military bases in the region, but there is a big difference,” he said, adding that while Iran cannot directly attack US territory, it would respond to any US attack by targeting US military bases in the region.
He said the possibility of war is “always present” and stressed that Iran is preparing for such a scenario while continuing efforts to prevent escalation.
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Araguchi noted that although the negotiations with the United States were conducted indirectly, they still provided an opportunity for engagement, and said that although a date for the second round of negotiations had not yet been set, both sides believed it should be held soon.
Regarding enrichment levels, he said the extent of enrichment would depend on Iran’s needs, stressing that no enriched uranium would leave the country, but adding that Iran was prepared to reduce enrichment levels as part of the deal.
“We don’t want a regional war, and neither do the countries in the region,” Araghchi said, warning that a U.S. attack would change the equation.
He told Muscat’s mediator that he was ready to continue negotiations as long as necessary to reach a real agreement quickly, adding that there was still a possibility of changing the venue for future negotiations.
US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Iran was “very keen to get a deal” after what he described as a “good meeting” in Oman.
President Trump spoke to reporters on Air Force One, referring to the deployment of U.S. troops to the region and warning of serious consequences if negotiations fail.
“We plan to meet again early next week,” Trump said, reiterating that any deal must ensure Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon.
Iran and the United States resumed indirect nuclear diplomacy on Friday after weeks of heightened tensions caused by U.S. warnings of possible military action.
Araghchi described the talks as a “good start” and said they could continue once the atmosphere of mistrust was overcome, while the Omani side said the talks were serious and helped clarify positions and identify areas where progress could be made.
