Geneva: Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi announced Tehran's readiness to reach a nuclear agreement with the United States 'as soon as possible' as both countries gear up for a new round of negotiations in Geneva.
According to Anadolu Agency, Takht-Ravanchi, a key member of Iran's negotiating team, emphasized in an interview with the US broadcaster NPR that Iran is prepared to do 'whatever is necessary' to achieve this goal. He expressed that the Iranian delegation will approach the negotiations with 'full sincerity and good faith' and hopes for a similar response from the American side.
He asserted that if there is political will from all involved parties, a rapid agreement is feasible. Takht-Ravanchi, who has extensive diplomatic experience and was part of the team that negotiated the 2015 nuclear deal, highlighted the importance of political determination in reaching a resolution.
Iran and the US have engaged in two rounds of indirect nuclear negotiations mediated by Oman since last month. These efforts followed initiatives by regional countries, notably Trkiye, to revive nuclear diplomacy after US-backed Israeli attacks led to its suspension last June.
The recent talks in Geneva concluded with optimism from both sides, who acknowledged agreeing on 'guiding principles' that could lead to a potential agreement. Takht-Ravanchi confirmed that the discussions will continue in Geneva, maintaining the same framework as prior meetings in Muscat and Geneva.
Addressing whether the draft proposal by Iran would extend beyond nuclear issues, Takht-Ravanchi clarified that the negotiations would strictly focus on the nuclear issue, as agreed by all parties. He warned of the uncontrollable nature of war, referring to it as a 'real gamble' from Tehran's standpoint.
He urged a focus on diplomacy, stressing its universal benefits and denouncing a military solution to Iran's nuclear situation. He warned that war could have widespread regional consequences.
Takht-Ravanchi also dismissed speculations about potential Iranian attacks on neighbors like the United Arab Emirates or Saudi Arabia, stating that any conflict would target US assets in the region instead.
These ongoing discussions occur amid significant US military presence in the Persian Gulf and President Donald Trump's threats of military action should the nuclear talks collapse. Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has conducted military drills to prepare for any potential conflict.