Ahead of a fresh round of nuclear talks with the United States in Geneva, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is prepared for both “war and peace”, warning that rising tensions and an expanding US military presence in the region could trigger a wider conflict.
In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, Araghchi cautioned that any direct confrontation between Iran and the US would not remain contained. “Since American bases are scattered across the region, the whole region would unfortunately be engaged,” he said, describing such a scenario as “devastating”.
The third round of indirect Iran-US negotiations is scheduled to take place in Geneva on Thursday, with Oman acting as mediator. Earlier rounds, according to the minister, helped set “general guiding principles” for a possible agreement, though key differences persist over uranium enrichment and missile restrictions.
‘A fair deal is achievable’
Araghchi maintained that a settlement is still within reach. “Based on previous understandings, we can build an agreement. A fair, balanced and equitable deal is achievable,” he said.
At the same time, he expressed caution over Washington’s intentions. “We are not fully convinced that they have real determination. They negotiated with us before and then attacked us,” he said, referring to past breakdowns in diplomacy.
He added that Tehran remains open to compromise if it sees genuine intent from the US side. “If there is real determination to reach a conclusion, then an agreement is possible.”
Iran firm on enrichment
One of the central sticking points remains Iran’s nuclear programme. Washington has demanded that Tehran halt uranium enrichment entirely, while Iran insists it has the right to pursue limited enrichment for peaceful 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 peaceful nuclear technology.”
He also dismissed allegations that Iran is expanding its long-range missile capabilities. “We are not developing long-range missiles. We have intentionally capped the range below 2,000 kilometres. They are for defence and deterrence, not as a global threat,” he said.
Araghchi criticised the growing US military presence around Iran, suggesting it would not force Tehran to concede. “If the idea is to threaten us so we capitulate, that is not going to happen,” he said.
“We have learned lessons from the last war and are more prepared,” he added. “There will be no victory for anybody in such a conflict. It would be devastating.”
Disputes protest death toll
The Iranian minister also challenged US President Donald Trump over claims about the number of deaths during anti-government protests in Iran.
“He mentioned 32,000 deaths. That is fake news,” Araghchi said. “We have published names of 3,117 victims, which is very unfortunate.”
However, the Human Rights Activists News Agency has reported significantly higher figures from the unrest, putting the toll at over 7,000.
Despite the sharp exchanges, Araghchi said there remains “every possibility” of reaching a fair and balanced solution in Geneva.
On India and Israel
The minister also criticised Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and said Iran does not consider it appropriate to engage with what he termed a “genocidal regime”. At the same time, he urged India to raise the Palestinian issue during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s engagements with Israel, while stressing Tehran’s commitment to strong ties with New Delhi.
“We have always had very good relations with India. India is a friend,” he said. “I am confident that Iran and India can continue friendly ties, and I hope India will play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability in our region.”
With negotiations set to resume in Geneva, diplomacy and deterrence appear to be unfolding in parallel, as both sides test the prospects for a breakthrough while bracing for escalation.