Abbas Araqchi said on Tuesday, Feb 24, that an agreement with the United States is “within reach” provided diplomacy takes precedence, ahead of a new round of expected talks in Geneva. The negotiations are scheduled for Thursday in Geneva, according to a senior US official. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to meet an Iranian delegation. The renewed talks come as Washington increases its military presence in the Middle East, while Tehran has warned it would target US bases in the region if attacked.

In a post on X, Araqchi described the moment as a historic chance to reach a groundbreaking agreement that addresses shared concerns and advances mutual interests. He added that Iran would return to the negotiating table determined to secure a fair and balanced deal as quickly as possible. Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said Iran is prepared to take all necessary measures to finalize an agreement. He stated that Tehran would enter the Geneva talks with sincerity and good faith.

At the White House, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump prefers diplomacy but is prepared to resort to force if required. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran is seriously considering exporting half of its highly enriched uranium, diluting the remainder, and participating in a regional enrichment consortium — proposals previously discussed in past negotiations. In exchange, Iran seeks US acknowledgment of its right to peaceful nuclear enrichment and the removal of economic sanctions.

Takht-Ravanchi reiterated that any attack on Iran would be met with a response in line with its defense plans, warning that US military action would be a risky move. Indirect talks last year failed mainly over Washington’s demand that Iran halt uranium enrichment on its own soil, which the US views as a potential route to developing nuclear weapons. Iran denies pursuing such arms. Last June, the US joined Israel in striking Iranian nuclear facilities, significantly limiting Tehran’s enrichment capabilities. President Trump claimed key sites were “obliterated.” However, Iran is still believed to retain previously enriched uranium stockpiles that Washington wants eliminated.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.