Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will meet the International Atomic Energy Agency chief in Geneva on Monday to discuss Tehran’s nuclear programme ahead of renewed talks with the United States. The meeting comes as US warships deploy to the Middle East, heightening regional tensions and international scrutiny.
Araqchi said he aims to achieve a fair and balanced deal, stressing that Iran will not submit under threats. He emphasised that Tehran is prepared to engage in deep technical discussions to ensure trust and transparency while maintaining its nuclear enrichment capabilities for civilian purposes.
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While Washington seeks to expand negotiations to cover Iran’s missile stockpile and regional activities, Tehran insists it will only consider curbs on its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said the “ball is in America’s court” to show willingness for a meaningful agreement.
The IAEA has pressed Iran to clarify the status of 440 kilograms of highly enriched uranium following Israeli-US strikes last June. Key sites in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan were bombed, and inspections have yet to fully resume, making transparency a central issue in the upcoming discussions.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that any US-Iran deal must dismantle Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, not just halt enrichment. He argued that enriched material must leave the country and that equipment enabling enrichment should be removed to prevent future nuclear weapon development.
Meanwhile, Iran’s civil defence conducted a chemical preparedness drill in the Pars Special Economic Energy Zone, reflecting the country’s caution amid rising regional instability. Both sides continue to weigh diplomacy against potential military escalation as negotiations move forward in Geneva.