GENEVA: The fresh diplomatic push between the United States and Iran has reignited cautious optimism over a possible breakthrough on Tehran’s nuclear programme, with both sides indicating readiness for an agreement.
In this sense, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that a nuclear deal was “within reach,” ahead of high-level discussions scheduled later this week in Geneva.
However, he stressed that progress would depend entirely on giving diplomacy priority.
The negotiations, will bring together US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner with an Iranian delegation. The senior US official confirmed preparations were underway as Washington continues to bolster its military presence in the Middle East a move that has drawn sharp warnings from Tehran.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said his country was prepared to take “any necessary steps” to secure an agreement, focusing on that Iran would enter the Geneva talks “with complete honesty and good faith.”
Yet he also cautioned that any attack on Iran would trigger a response under Tehran’s defence plans, calling a potential US strike “a real gamble.”
From Washington, Donald Trump’s administration struck a measured but firm tone.
In this regard, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated that diplomacy remains the president’s preferred course of action, but added that the US is prepared to use force if required.
Meanwhile, proposals are reportedly under discussion that could reshape the framework of Iran’s nuclear activities. Tehran may consider exporting part of its highly enriched uranium, diluting the remainder, and participating in a regional enrichment consortium in exchange for recognition of its right to peaceful nuclear enrichment and relief from economic sanctions.
