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Iran’s deputy foreign minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi declared Tuesday that his country will do “whatever it takes” to reach an agreement with the United States regarding its nuclear program, setting the stage for high-level talks later this week.
The statement comes ahead of scheduled negotiations in Geneva on Thursday, where U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential advisor Jared Kushner will meet with an Iranian delegation, according to Reuters.
“We are ready to reach an agreement as soon as possible. We will do whatever it takes to make this happen. We will enter the negotiating room in Geneva with complete honesty and good faith,” Takht-Ravanchi said. He added a warning note, however, stating: “If there is an attack or aggression against Iran, we will respond according to our defense plans… A U.S. attack on Iran is a real gamble.”
The White House has maintained a dual approach to the situation. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized Tuesday morning that President Donald Trump’s first option for Iran is “always diplomacy,” while noting that he remains “willing to use the lethal force of the United States military if necessary.”
President Trump himself issued a stern warning via his Truth Social platform on Monday, declaring “it will be a very bad day” for Iran if the country fails to reach a deal over its nuclear program. The statement reflects the administration’s growing concern over Iran’s nuclear capabilities and its willingness to consider military options if diplomatic efforts fail.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reinforced his country’s position Tuesday through a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “Pillared on the understandings forged in the previous round, Iran will resume talks with the U.S. in Geneva with a determination to achieve a fair and equitable deal — in the shortest possible time.”
Araghchi emphasized Iran’s fundamental position: “Iran will under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon; neither will we Iranians ever forgo our right to harness the dividends of peaceful nuclear technology for our people.”
The upcoming talks represent a critical juncture in U.S.-Iran relations, which have been strained since the United States withdrew from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) during Trump’s first term. Since then, Iran has gradually increased its uranium enrichment levels, raising international concerns about its nuclear ambitions.
Recent intelligence assessments have suggested Iran could be mere weeks away from acquiring sufficient material for a nuclear weapon. Witkoff has previously warned that Iran is “a week away” from obtaining “bomb-making material,” underscoring the urgency of the negotiations.
The talks in Geneva follow preliminary discussions held in Oman earlier this month, where Witkoff and Kushner met with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who has served as a mediator between the U.S. and Iran. Oman has historically played a crucial role in facilitating diplomatic channels between the two nations.
Regional tensions have escalated in recent months amid Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza and confrontations with Hezbollah in Lebanon, both groups supported by Iran. The broader Middle East remains on high alert, with Iranian proxies active across multiple fronts.
Market analysts are closely watching the negotiations, as any breakthrough could significantly impact oil prices and regional stability. Iran, holding one of the world’s largest oil and natural gas reserves, has seen its energy exports severely limited by international sanctions.
“We have a historic opportunity to strike an unprecedented agreement that addresses mutual concerns and achieves mutual interests. A deal is within reach, but only if diplomacy is given priority,” Araghchi added, striking a hopeful but determined tone. “We have proven that we will stop at nothing to guard our sovereignty with courage. We bring the same courage to the negotiating table, where we will pursue a peaceful resolution to any differences.”
The outcome of Thursday’s talks could determine whether the region moves toward de-escalation or faces the prospect of renewed military confrontation.
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4 Comments
Iran’s pledge of full commitment to securing a nuclear deal is an encouraging sign. Diplomatic solutions are always preferable to military conflict. Hopefully the upcoming Geneva talks can lead to a mutually acceptable framework that addresses all parties’ concerns.
Glad to see Iran and the US moving towards a diplomatic resolution on the nuclear issue. Constructive dialogue is key, though both sides will need to compromise to reach an agreement. Cautiously optimistic this round of talks in Geneva can make progress.
The US’s dual approach of pursuing diplomacy while reserving the military option seems risky. Hopefully cooler heads prevail and the Geneva talks can produce a negotiated settlement, which would be the safest path forward.
Iran’s warning about responding to any US attack is understandable, though the US seems to still be prioritizing diplomacy for now. Resolving this complex issue through peaceful negotiations would be the best outcome for all involved.