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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a dual message of warning and hope on Sunday, stating that while Iran will retaliate against any U.S. military strikes, a diplomatic breakthrough remains possible.
In an interview with CBS, Araghchi revealed that negotiators are currently drafting a formal proposal and expressed optimism that a “fast deal” could be reached during a new round of talks scheduled to begin this Thursday in Geneva.
Despite the diplomatic overtures, Araghchi was blunt regarding Iran’s military intentions should negotiations fail.
He asserted that any U.S. attack would be met with “legitimate” self-defence, specifically targeting American military bases within the Middle East.
Acknowledging that Iranian missiles cannot reach the U.S. mainland, he clarified that the regional presence of the United States would be the primary focus of any retaliatory measures, citing last year’s strike on the Al-Udeid airbase in Qatar as a precedent.
A central point of contention remains Iran’s nuclear programme.
Araghchi insisted that as a sovereign nation, Iran maintains an unwavering right to continue uranium enrichment for civilian purposes, a position that has long been a sticking point for Washington.
He emphasised that the decision to enrich uranium is one for Iran to make “by ourselves,” signalling that the country is unlikely to fully abandon its nuclear infrastructure as part of any upcoming agreement.
Ultimately, the Foreign Minister characterised the path forward as a “win-win game” if a diplomatic solution can be secured.
He noted that the recent rounds of discussions have been productive enough to allow for the current drafting of a deal’s core elements.
Global eyes now turn to Geneva this Thursday, where the success or failure of these talks will likely determine whether the region moves toward a de-escalation of tensions or further military conflict.
