Iran denies proposing zero enrichment, says US talks focus on keeping nuclear program ‘peaceful’

By Syed Zafar Mehdi

TEHRAN, Iran (AA) – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that Tehran has neither proposed suspending its nuclear program nor has Washington demanded zero enrichment in the ongoing negotiations.

In an interview with US cable network MS Now, Araghchi said Tehran and Washington are discussing ways to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program, including enrichment, remains peaceful.

“If anyone is seeking a solution to Iran’s nuclear program and wants to ensure that it remains peaceful, the only path is negotiation and a diplomatic solution,” Araghchi said.

Iran and the United States resumed nuclear negotiations earlier this month in Muscat, followed by another round of talks in Geneva on Tuesday under Omani mediation.

The renewed diplomacy comes amid heightened regional tensions, fueled by a significant US military buildup in the Persian Gulf as well as Iranian military drills.

US President Donald Trump, speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington on Thursday, warned that the US would opt for military action against Iran “within 10 to 15 days” if negotiations fail.

He emphasized that Tehran must reach a “meaningful” deal and reiterated that Iran cannot be allowed to have nuclear weapons, which he said would undermine regional security.

“They must make a deal. If that doesn’t happen … bad things will happen,” he warned, reiterating previous threats that prompted reactions from top Iranian officials.

- Confidence-building measures

Araghchi dismissed speculation that the negotiations have not progressed, stressing that Iran would initiate confidence-building measures and the US would lift sanctions.

He said the two sides had “very good discussions” in Geneva on the nuclear program and sanctions, reaching an understanding on a set of “guiding principles for negotiations” and the “possible framework of an agreement.”

“We were then asked to prepare a draft of a potential agreement so that, at the next meeting, we could discuss that draft, begin negotiating its text, and hopefully reach a conclusion. This is the path ahead of us,” he said.

The top diplomat stressed that there is “no military solution” to the nuclear issue, noting that last June’s attack on the country’s nuclear facilities and the killing of scientists “failed to eliminate” the program.

“This technology cannot be destroyed through bombing or military action. The only solution is diplomacy. That is why the United States has returned to the negotiating table and is seeking an agreement,” Araghchi said.

He added that Iran is prepared for both war and diplomacy.

Addressing bilateral relations, Araghchi said the Iranian people do not consider the American people “enemies,” but view the policies of the US government toward Iran as “hostile.”

“When these hostilities stop, then perhaps we can think about a different kind of relationship,” he stressed.

In his message to the US president and members of Congress, Araghchi said previous US administrations also used “war, sanctions, the snapback mechanism, and more” against Iran.

“If you speak to the Iranian people with the language of respect, we will respond in the same way. But if you speak to us with the language of force, we will respond accordingly.”