News Desk
PARIS: Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned on Sunday that the country would strike back at US interests in the Middle East if attacked, but he also signalled that a diplomatic solution remained possible.
Speaking to US broadcaster CBS, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said new talks on the details of a deal were expected “probably” on Thursday. The comments came as Washington carried out a major redeployment of military assets to the region, stoking fears of renewed conflict. US threats of military action have intensified since nationwide protests in Iran prompted a crackdown that rights groups say killed thousands of people.
“If the US attacks us, then we have every right to defend ourselves,” Araghchi said, referring to American targets in the region. Still, he added, “there is a good chance to have a diplomatic solution.” Following a recent round of talks in Geneva, Iran said it was preparing a draft proposal aimed at averting military confrontation.
“I believe that when we meet, probably this Thursday in Geneva again, we can work on those elements and prepare a good text and come to a fast deal,” Araghchi said. Axios reported, citing an unnamed senior US official, that if Iran submitted its proposal within 48 hours, Washington was ready to resume detailed negotiations later in the week.
Western governments fear Iran’s nuclear program could be used to develop a bomb, a claim Tehran has repeatedly denied. Iran insists on its right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes. On the issue of enrichment, Araghchi said Sunday: “As a sovereign country, we have every right to decide for ourselves, by ourselves.”
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