Tehran, February 25 – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that Iran is determined to reach a "fair and equitable" agreement with the United States as soon as possible, noting that the two countries "have a historic opportunity to reach an unprecedented agreement."
Araghchi posted the remarks on X ahead of the third round of indirect nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington, scheduled for Thursday in Geneva, according to Xinhua news agency.
"Building on the understandings reached in the previous round, Iran will resume talks with the United States in Geneva with the determination to achieve a fair and equitable agreement – as quickly as possible," Araghchi said.
"Our fundamental convictions are clear: Iran will never develop a nuclear weapon; nor will we Iranians ever forgo our right to harness the benefits of peaceful nuclear technology for our people," he said.
The two sides have a "historic opportunity" to reach an unprecedented agreement that addresses mutual concerns and achieves common interests, Araghchi said, adding that a deal is within reach if diplomacy is prioritized.
His remarks come after recent US military buildup in the Middle East and two rounds of indirect nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran, which have focused on Iran's nuclear program and the possible lifting of US sanctions.
Also on Tuesday, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi said that Iran is ready to do "whatever is necessary" to reach a nuclear agreement with the US.
"We want to do whatever is necessary to make it (an agreement) happen. We will enter the negotiating room in Geneva with all sincerity and goodwill," Ravanchi said in an interview with NPR radio.
"We hope that our goodwill and approach will be reciprocated by the Americans, and if there is a political will on all sides, I believe that the deal can be reached as soon as possible," he added.
Meanwhile, during a meeting in Tehran with Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan on Tuesday, Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh reiterated his country's firm resolve to defend itself.
