Iran ready for war or peace ahead of Geneva nuclear talks, says Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, Araghchi said rising tensions, driven by an expanded US military presence around Iran, risk spiralling into a wider Middle East war involving multiple countries.

The third round of Iran–US nuclear talks is scheduled for Thursday in Geneva and is being mediated by Oman.

Earlier discussions established broad guiding principles for a possible agreement, though significant differences remain over uranium enrichment and missile restrictions.

Despite the challenges, Araghchi said a diplomatic settlement is still achievable. “A fair, balanced and equitable deal is possible,” he said, while expressing scepticism over Washington’s intentions based on past experience.

“We are not fully convinced they have the determination. They negotiated with us last time and then attacked us.”

He added that Iran remains open to compromise if the US demonstrates genuine commitment to diplomacy.

Iran refuses to give up uranium enrichment

A major sticking point remains Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme. While the US has demanded Tehran completely abandon enrichment, Iran insists on maintaining limited enrichment for civilian energy purposes.

“Negotiation and diplomacy is the only option,” Araghchi said. “We are ready to address concerns, but we are not ready to give up our right to the peaceful use of nuclear technology.”

He also rejected claims that Iran is expanding its missile programme. “We are not developing long-range missiles. Our range is intentionally limited to under 2,000 kilometres. These missiles are purely defensive and serve as deterrence,” he said.

Warning against military escalation, Araghchi said pressure tactics would backfire. “If the idea is to threaten us so we capitulate, that is not going to happen.”

He cautioned that any conflict would spread rapidly due to the presence of US military bases across the region. “There will be no victory for anyone. It would be a devastating war,” he said, adding that Iran’s forces are more prepared after lessons learned from previous conflicts.

Iran disputes protest death toll

Araghchi also rejected claims by US President Donald Trump regarding deaths during Iran’s recent crackdown on anti-government protests.

Calling the figures “fake news,” he said Washington had cited 32,000 deaths, while Iranian authorities had documented 3,117 victims. “Any loss of life is unfortunate,” he added.

However, the Human Rights Activists News Agency has reported a significantly higher toll, claiming more than 7,000 people were killed during the unrest.

Despite sharp rhetoric, Araghchi said the upcoming Geneva talks still offer room for compromise. “There is every possibility of reaching a fair and balanced solution,” he said.