ISLAMABAD: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said diplomacy remains the only viable path to resolving the nuclear dispute, while warning that Tehran is prepared to take necessary defensive measures if negotiations fail to produce an agreement.
In an interview with US media, Araghchi said an initial draft of a potential nuclear deal could be prepared within two to three days and would be handed over to the US special envoy once approved by Iranian authorities. He stressed that Iran had not offered to halt uranium enrichment during the talks, nor had the United States made such a demand, adding that negotiators from both sides were working toward a swift agreement.
The Iranian foreign minister reiterated that there was no military solution to the nuclear issue, emphasising that diplomatic engagement was the only way forward. However, he cautioned that if no agreement was reached, Iran would act to defend itself.
Araghchi said Tehran was prepared for both diplomacy and conflict, warning that any US military strike would further complicate the situation and could have devastating consequences not only for Iran but for the wider region and the international community.
He also conveyed a message to the US administration and members of the United States Congress, stating that successive American governments had tried various measures against Iran — including war, sanctions, and snapback mechanisms — but none had succeeded.
“If you speak to the Iranian people with respect, we will respond in the same language. If you speak in the language of force, we will respond accordingly,” he said.
His remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump said he was considering the possibility of a limited military strike against Iran.