Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated Sunday that Iran possesses "every right to enjoy a peaceful nuclear energy, including enrichment," amidst ongoing U.S. efforts to negotiate Iran's nuclear program.
Negotiators from the U.S. and Iran convened last week in Geneva, with both sides reporting progress. This comes as President Trump has indicated he is considering limited military strikes on Iran, warning of consequences if a nuclear deal is not reached.
Araghchi announced that diplomatic sessions are scheduled to resume Thursday in Geneva, emphasizing that dialogue is the sole path to resolving the nuclear program dispute. He asserted that a resolution is attainable and that military buildups are unnecessary and ineffective in pressuring Iran.
The Iranian minister, a participant in the 2015 nuclear deal negotiations, indicated that Iran is developing a draft proposal for the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East. He expressed confidence that a swift agreement could be reached once discussions resume.
While U.S. officials and many Republicans in Congress have voiced skepticism regarding Iran's nuclear program, calling for zero enrichment and complete dismantlement, Araghchi maintained that "enrichment is our right." He described enrichment as a sensitive aspect of the talks, noting that both sides have shared their concerns.
Araghchi stressed that Iran's right to self-determination as a sovereign nation includes deciding on its own technologies, which he described as a matter of national dignity and pride that Iran will not relinquish, especially under peaceful and safeguarded conditions.
He also addressed the possibility of conflict, stating that "if the U.S. attacks us, then we have every right to defend ourselves." However, he questioned the necessity of conflict when peaceful solutions are viable.