Iranian foreign minister says agreement with US possible in Geneva on 26th, stresses diplomacy over force

[Financial News] Amid speculation about a possible United States military strike on Iran, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on the 22nd (local time) that a draft agreement is being prepared ahead of talks with Washington in Geneva, Switzerland, on the 26th. He stated that reaching an agreement there is possible.
In an interview with CBS that day, Araghchi said, "We are working on a draft agreement composed of elements that can accommodate the concerns and interests of both sides," adding, "We will meet again in Geneva on Thursday the 26th to discuss these elements and prepare a good text, so that we can reach a swift agreement." He added, "I believe this is entirely possible."
Asked whether US President Donald Trump might launch a military attack, he replied, "I cannot judge," but stressed, "If we are to find a solution for Iran's peaceful nuclear program, the only path is diplomacy." He also said, "A military build-up by the USA is unnecessary, it does not help, and it cannot pressure us."
Regarding the US demand for a complete halt to uranium enrichment, he said, "Enrichment is our right," emphasizing, "As a member of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Iran has every right to enjoy peaceful nuclear energy."
When asked whether it is reasonable to insist on the right to enrichment under military threat, he responded, "For at least 20 years we have been under sanctions, we have lost scientists, and we have gone through war," adding, "This technology is extremely valuable, and because it is a matter of the dignity and pride of the Iranian people, we will not give it up."
Araghchi also referred to last June's so-called "12-day war" with Israel and the US strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, saying, "There were problems with our air defense system, but Israel also had problems with its air defenses and with Iranian missiles." He claimed, "They requested an unconditional ceasefire after 12 days because they could not stop our missiles."
On how Iran would respond if a US military attack were to begin, he said, "Self-defense is legitimate and lawful," adding, "We cannot strike the US mainland, so we would have to target United States military bases in the region."
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km@fnnews.com Kim Kyung-min Reporter