Iran Open to Reassuring Enrichment Deal, Rejects Zero Enrichment

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran’s nuclear dispute can only be resolved through diplomacy, noting that Washington returned to negotiations after previously turning to military pressure.

“Negotiations are the only way to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue,” Araghchi said, describing recent indirect talks with the United States as “a good starting point,” while acknowledging that rebuilding trust would take time.

Iran and the US resumed indirect nuclear diplomacy on Friday following weeks of heightened tensions driven by US President Donald Trump’s threat of military action.

Zero Enrichment Ruled Out

Araghchi stressed that zero enrichment is outside the framework of negotiations, calling uranium enrichment a “guaranteed right” that must continue.

“We are ready to reach an agreement that reassures others that enrichment in Iran is peaceful,” he said, adding that Tehran is prepared to reduce enrichment levels if needed.

He underlined that enriched uranium would not leave Iran, and said enrichment levels would depend on the country’s practical needs.

“Even bombardment failed to destroy our capabilities,” Araghchi said.

Missile Programme ‘Not Negotiable’

Araghchi made clear that Iran’s missile programme is not subject to negotiations, now or in the future.

“This is a purely defensive matter for us,” he said, adding that regional issues should be resolved by countries in the region, not external powers.

Warning to the United States

Addressing the risk of war, Araghchi said the possibility of conflict “always exists,” but stressed that Iran continues efforts to prevent escalation.

He warned that if the United States attacks Iran, Tehran would respond by targeting American military bases in the region, not neighbouring countries.

“We do not attack neighbouring states; we target US bases in the region. There is a big difference,” he said, adding that Iran lacks the capability to strike US territory directly.

Such a scenario, he warned, would draw the entire region into war.

Talks to Continue, Location May Change

Araghchi said Friday’s talks focused exclusively on the nuclear file, with no other issues raised by the US side.

“There is no set date yet for a second round of talks, but both sides believe it should take place soon,” he said, adding that changing the location of future negotiations is possible.

He said the indirect talks nevertheless created space for a symbolic “handshake” with the US delegation and confirmed that Muscat, Oman, could again host talks.

Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi described the discussions as “very serious,” saying they helped clarify positions and identify areas for potential progress.

Israel and Regional Balance

Speaking at the Al Jazeera Forum, Araghchi accused Israel of pursuing an expansionist strategy aimed at weakening neighbouring countries militarily, economically, technologically and socially.

He said Israel continues to expand its military arsenal, including weapons of mass destruction, without any international inspection, allowing it to maintain permanent regional superiority.

“Ready to Stay Until a Deal Is Reached”

Araghchi said Iran remains committed to diplomacy and told mediators in Muscat that he was prepared to remain at the negotiating table for as long as necessary.

“I am ready to stay there for all the time needed to reach a real agreement as quickly as possible,” he said.

Despite tensions, Araghchi said Iran does not seek a regional war, warning that any American military action would fundamentally change the situation.