Speaking with Morning Joe, Araghchi addressed various questions regarding the latest state of negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
Iran and US held very good talks in Geneva
Asked about remarks suggesting that failure to reach a deal could imply the possibility of war, Araghchi said that the negotiating teams from Iran and the US had “very good talks in Geneva,” adding that they were able to talk about issues related to Iran’s nuclear program and US sanctions against Tehran.
He said that they had reached an understanding on “a set of guiding principles” for negotiations and the possible framework of an agreement. “We were asked to prepare a draft of a possible deal” so in the next meeting, they will discuss the “language” of the draft and “hopefully come to a conclusion.”
He also emphasized, “There is no military solution to Iran’s nuclear program. That has been tested and there were huge attacks on our facilities. They killed and assassinated our scientists. But they couldn’t kill our nuclear program. Why? Because it is developed by ourselves, by our scientists.”
“This is a technology developed by us and it belongs to us. And it cannot be destroyed by bombings or militarily,” he said, adding that “the only solution is diplomacy” and that is why the US has returned to the negotiating table.
Iran is prepared for both war and peace, he said.
Neither Iran proposed suspending enrichment, nor has US demanded zero enrichment
Addressing reports that the US seeks “a permanent suspension” of Iran’s enrichment program, Araghchi said that these speculations are “incorrect.”
“We have not offered any suspension, and the US side has not asked for zero enrichment.”
He clarified that discussions currently focus on “how to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program, including enrichment, is peaceful and would remain peaceful forever” in exchange for sanctions relief.
He said, “This is what we have already done – in 2015,” adding that “even a better one” can be reached this time.
He added that he is in contact with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, as well as Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and that further meetings may take place as needed to reach “a fair and equitable deal” with “creativity and flexibility.”
“No ultimatum” exists
Regarding speculation about imminent military action, Araghchi said that there is no deadline.
“A fast deal” has been discussed, he said, adding that Tehran is under sanctions, and the sooner they are terminated, the better for Iran. “so we have no reason to delay a possible deal for buy time.”
He emphasized that both sides are interested in a quick deal, but the only challenge is how to make it a fair and win-win.
He expressed hope that those are seeking war and trying “to drag the United States into another unnecessary and disastrous war once again” will not prevail and that diplomats would be allowed to find a solution.
Military buildup around Iran is unnecessary and futile
Araghchi defined a “win-win” agreement as one in which:
• “The US is absolutely confident that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful and would remain peaceful.
• And for Iran sanctions are lifted.”
He said a military option would only further complicate matters and could have “disastrous consequences” for the region and the international community.
Iran’s draft proposal will be ready within days
Araghchi gave the news that Iran’s next step is to present a draft agreement to the US negotiators.
He said that another meeting may follow to begin serious negotiations over the text and expressed hoped that a desirable outcome would be reached.
Iran does not consider American people enemies
Asked whether Iran considers the United States its enemy, Araghchi responded that Iranians do not consider the American people their enemy but see the policies of the US government as “hostile against Iran”. “And those hostilities are stopped, then we can perhaps consider having a different kind of relations.”
War, sanctions, and the snapback mechanism did not work
When asked for his message to US President Donald Trump and members of Congress, Araghchi said, “The message is that previous US administrations, even the current US administration, have tried almost everything against us: war, sanctions, the snapback. But none of them worked.”
“If you talk with the Iranian people with the language of respect, we respond with the same language. But if you talk to us with the language of force, we will reciprocate with the same language. I think Iranians have proved to be a very proud people. We only respond to the language of respect.”
