Abbas Araqchi has stated that a potential agreement between Iran and the United States is within reach — but only if diplomacy is placed ahead of rising tensions.
His comments come just days before a new round of negotiations set to take place in Geneva on Thursday, where U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to meet with an Iranian delegation.
Writing on X, Araqchi described the moment as a “historic opportunity” to achieve an unprecedented agreement that would address shared concerns and serve mutual interests. He emphasized that Tehran would enter the talks determined to secure a fair and equitable deal as quickly as possible.
The renewed diplomatic push follows heightened tensions across the Middle East, with Washington reinforcing its military presence in the region. Tehran has warned it would respond forcefully to any attack on its territory, including targeting U.S. bases.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, reinforced the government’s position, stating that Iran is prepared to take necessary steps to finalize an agreement. According to state media, he said Tehran would approach the Geneva talks “with complete honesty and good faith.”
On the U.S. side, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump prefers a diplomatic solution but remains willing to consider military options if necessary.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran could consider sending half of its highly enriched uranium stockpile abroad, diluting the remainder, and joining a regional enrichment consortium. In exchange, Iran is seeking formal U.S. recognition of its right to peaceful nuclear enrichment and the removal of economic sanctions.
Previous indirect negotiations collapsed over Washington’s demand that Iran completely halt uranium enrichment — a condition Tehran has consistently rejected, insisting its nuclear activities are intended solely for civilian energy purposes.
Tensions further intensified last June when the United States joined Israel in launching strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. President Trump claimed the attacks had “obliterated” key sites, though Iran is believed to still retain previously enriched uranium stockpiles — a central issue in the current negotiations.
With both sides expressing willingness to return to the table while maintaining firm red lines, the upcoming Geneva talks are widely seen as a decisive moment for diplomacy amid ongoing regional uncertainty.