Iran foreign minister: "Drafting an agreement with the U.S... deal possible in Geneva"

Iran said it is drafting an agreement with the United States and that a deal could be reached at talks to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, on the 26th (local time).

According to U.S. broadcaster CBS on the 22nd (local time), Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview, "We are still drafting an agreement made up of elements that can accommodate concerns and interests on both sides," adding, "When we probably meet again in Geneva on Thursday (the 26th), we will discuss these elements, prepare a good text, and be able to reach an agreement quickly."

The remarks come as the possibility of U.S. military action against Iran has risen. Asked whether he expects U.S. President Donald Trump to launch a military strike on Iran, Araghchi said, "I can't judge," but added, "If you want to find a solution to Iran's peaceful nuclear program, the only path is diplomacy."

As for U.S. demands that Iran halt uranium enrichment entirely, he stressed, "Enrichment is our right," adding, "As a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), we have every right to enjoy peaceful nuclear energy."

In particular, when asked whether it is worth asserting Iran's right to enrich despite facing military threats from the United States, Araghchi replied, "We have paid a heavy price, so this technology is very precious," adding, "We have been under sanctions for at least 20 years, lost scientists, and even went through a war."

Han Kyeong-woo, Hankyung.com reporter case@hankyung.com