Iran FM Sees ‘Window of Opportunity’ in Fresh US Talks
AFP/APP
Geneva: Abbas Araghchi on Tuesday expressed optimism over a “new window of opportunity” emerging from renewed nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, saying the negotiations could pave the way for a lasting resolution to the long-running standoff.
The Omani-mediated discussions, held in Geneva, are aimed at averting potential US military action, while Tehran is pressing for the removal of Washington’s sanctions that have weighed heavily on its economy.
“A new window of opportunity has opened,” Araghchi told delegates at the Conference on Disarmament following several hours of talks. “We are hopeful that negotiation will lead to a sustainable and negotiated solution which can serve the interest of relevant parties and the broader region.”
However, he stressed that any viable agreement “must ensure the full recognition of Iran’s legitimate rights to deliver tangible benefits, and be safeguarded against unilateral actions.”
Prior to the talks, US President Donald Trump warned Tehran of consequences if it failed to reach a deal. Trump has repeatedly threatened possible military intervention, citing both Iran’s recent crackdown on protesters and concerns over its nuclear programme.
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Araghchi underscored that “Iran remains fully prepared to defend itself against any threat or act of aggression,” cautioning that “the consequences of any attack against Iran will not be confined to its borders.”
IAEA Engagement
On Monday, the Iranian foreign minister also met with Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, in Geneva.
Araghchi said the discussions focused on cooperation between Tehran and the UN nuclear watchdog, as well as the agency’s potential role in facilitating a mutually agreed framework between Iran and the United States.
“Iran will continue its constructive dialogue and engagement with the agency to address these technical issues and to identify an agreed pathway for closing the outstanding gaps,” he said.
Reiterating Tehran’s long-held position, Araghchi maintained that Iran “neither seeks to manufacture nor to acquire nuclear weapons,” asserting that such arms have “no place whatsoever in Iran’s national security doctrine.”
At the same time, he criticised what he described as inconsistent conduct by certain Western states, particularly the United States, arguing that it had undermined trust in the negotiating process.
He pointed to Washington’s withdrawal from the previous nuclear agreement during Trump’s first term, saying it dealt “a profound blow to trust and stability of multilateral obligations.” Araghchi also referenced a US military strike on Iran last June, which he said occurred while the two sides were engaged in negotiations.
