TEHRAN, Feb. 23 — Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he is expected to meet with a U.S. delegation in Geneva on Thursday for the next round of negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, amid reports of increased U.S. military activity in the region.
Araghchi told CBS in an interview that Iran is working on a draft proposal aimed at addressing the concerns of both sides and expressed optimism about reaching an agreement quickly.
“We are still working on that, and we are trying to make it something which consists of elements which can accommodate both sides’ concerns and interests,” Araghchi said. “I believe that when we meet probably this Thursday in Geneva again, we can work on those elements and prepare a good text and come to a fast deal.”
The comments were also reported by Iran’s state media, Islamic Republic News Agency, which said the negotiations are part of ongoing diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington. The two countries have already held two rounds of talks this month.
The upcoming meeting is expected to include U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who has previously warned that Iran may be close to producing weapons-grade nuclear material. He told Fox News that Iran has enriched uranium up to 60 percent, which exceeds levels required for civilian nuclear use.
Araghchi emphasized that diplomacy remains the only viable solution and said military pressure would not resolve the issue.
“We have proved this in the past, and I believe that still there is a good chance to have a diplomatic solution,” he said, adding that a military buildup would not help achieve a peaceful resolution.
The talks are being facilitated with support from Badr Albusaidi, Oman’s foreign minister, who confirmed that the next round of negotiations would take place in Geneva on Feb. 26.
Diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran resumed earlier this month in Muscat, followed by a second round in Geneva.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high amid reports of increased U.S. military presence in West Asia and ongoing anti-government protests in Iranian cities, including Tehran and Mashhad.
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Washington could consider military action if Iran does not agree to limits on its nuclear program, while Tehran maintains that its uranium enrichment activities are intended solely for peaceful purposes.
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