Iran Rules Out Zero Enrichment in US Talks
In an interview with media, Araghchi emphasized that diplomatic engagement remains the sole viable path forward on the nuclear dispute, pointing to Washington's pivot back to negotiations after earlier threats of military force.
"Negotiations are the only way to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue," Araghchi stated, characterizing recent discussions with American officials as "a good starting point" despite acknowledging that "a long road remains to rebuild trust" between the adversarial powers.
The top diplomat made clear Iran's ballistic missile arsenal is off-limits in any bargaining scenario, labeling the weapons program a "defensive matter" beyond negotiation scope—now and permanently.
Tehran is willing to "build confidence to conduct realistic negotiations aimed at reaching a fair, win-win outcome," Araghchi affirmed, reiterating Iran's commitment to a mutual confidence-building framework around enrichment activities.
Yet he drew a hard red line: complete elimination of enrichment capabilities remains "not on the negotiating table." Araghchi insisted enrichment constitutes a "guaranteed right" for Iran and "must continue" without interruption.
"Even bombardment failed to destroy our capabilities," he declared defiantly.
On regional military posture, Araghchi distinguished between neighboring nations and American installations. "We do not attack neighboring states; we target US bases in the region, and there is a big difference," he clarified, warning that any Washington-initiated assault would trigger retaliatory strikes against regional American military facilities, given Iran's inability to reach the continental United States.
The foreign minister acknowledged war remains a persistent possibility, stating the prospect "always exists" while stressing Tehran's dual-track approach of military preparedness coupled with de-escalation diplomacy.
Araghchi revealed that while recent negotiations occurred through intermediaries rather than direct contact, the format still permitted "a handshake" between Iranian and American delegations.
"There is no set date yet for a second round of talks, but both Tehran and Washington believe it should take place soon," he indicated.
Regarding enrichment parameters, Araghchi said concentration levels would align with domestic requirements, emphasizing that "enriched uranium will not leave the country." He confirmed Washington discussions remained indirect and confined strictly to nuclear matters.
The diplomatic re-engagement followed weeks of escalating confrontation triggered by US President Donald Trump's explicit military threats against the Islamic Republic. Iran and America resumed indirect nuclear negotiations Friday after the tense standoff.
Abbas Araghchi characterized Friday's session as a "good start" with continuation potential if mutual suspicion can be overcome. Both parties agreed to maintain momentum, with possible future meetings in Muscat, Oman.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi assessed the talks as "very serious," crediting the exchange with clarifying respective positions and mapping potential compromise zones.
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