Iran's FM says nuclear deal is possible if US rebuilds trust

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has declared that a pathway to a renewed nuclear agreement with the United States remains open, contingent on rebuilding broken trust between the two adversaries. In a CNN interview aired Sunday, Araghchi stated that while Tehran has "lost trust in the United States as a negotiating partner," indirect contacts facilitated by regional intermediaries are currently "fruitful" and could lay the groundwork for substantive talks.

Conditions for Negotiations and Warning Against War

Araghchi aligned Iran's stated goal with that of US President Donald Trump, saying Tehran agrees on preventing nuclear weapons. "I see the possibility of another talk if the US negotiation team follows what President Trump said," he noted, adding that a "fair and equitable deal" would require the lifting of sanctions in return. However, he dismissed expanding talks to include Iran's ballistic missile program or regional activities. On the risk of war, he warned it would be "a disaster for everybody," likely engulfing the region due to the widespread presence of US military bases.

Military Preparedness and Denial of Execution Plans

The Foreign Minister asserted that Iran is "very well prepared" militarily, having learned from past conflicts, including a recent war with Israel. "Being prepared doesn't mean that we want war," he clarified. "We want to prevent a war." Addressing a point of contention raised by President Trump, Araghchi denied there were any plans to carry out executions related to recent domestic unrest, stating the rights of all detainees would be guaranteed.

Regional Diplomacy and the View from Türkiye

Araghchi's comments highlight the critical, behind-the-scenes role played by regional states in passing messages and facilitating de-escalation. For neighbors like Türkiye, which shares a border with Iran and consistently advocates for diplomatic solutions, such indirect channels are vital for preventing a catastrophic regional conflict and for advancing stability, which is a cornerstone of Turkish foreign policy.