GENEVA: Iran expressed fresh optimism on Tuesday about reaching a nuclear agreement with the United States as senior officials from both sides prepare for talks in Geneva later this week.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a deal was “within reach” and described the upcoming meeting as a historic chance to resolve long-running disputes and protect mutual interests. Writing on X, he said progress would depend on prioritizing diplomacy.
The negotiations, set for Thursday in Geneva, will bring together US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner with an Iranian delegation, a senior US official said.
The talks resume amid rising regional tensions and an expanded US military presence in the Middle East. Tehran has warned it would target American bases in the region if attacked.
Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said Iran is ready to take necessary steps to secure an agreement and will enter the discussions in good faith, according to AFP.
In Washington, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump remains committed to diplomacy but is prepared to consider military options if needed.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran is reviewing a proposal to send half of its highly enriched uranium stockpile abroad, dilute the remainder and join a regional enrichment consortium.
In exchange, Iran seeks recognition of its right to peaceful nuclear enrichment and the removal of US economic sanctions.
Previous efforts to revive talks collapsed last year over Washington’s demand that Iran halt uranium enrichment on its own soil. Tehran rejected the condition and insists its nuclear program serves civilian purposes.
Tensions spiked last June when the United States joined Israel in strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Trump later said the attacks destroyed key sites.
