Iranian Foreign Minister hopes for deal despite threat of US strikes

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said that despite the threat of a US strike, he is confident that it is possible to reach an agreement with Washington and prevent an armed confrontation. He expressed this opinion in an interview with the CNN.

"Unfortunately, we have lost confidence in the United States as a negotiating partner," Araqchi said, but messaging through friendly countries in the region is contributing to "fruitful" talks with the United States.

At the same time, he is "confident that we can reach an agreement" with the United States on the nuclear program.

While refusing to promise that Iran would enter into direct talks with the Americans, Araqchi emphasized the need to consider the "essence of the negotiations" rather than their form. His remarks came after Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei threatened a regional war in the event of a U.S. strike.

Progress in resuming negotiations is likely to have stalled due to Iran's demands to focus on nuclear issues, as well as the US refusal to reduce its military presence in the region, which significantly affects any diplomatic efforts.

In response to a question about Iran's significant missile arsenal and its proxies in the region, Araqchi said that the focus should be on its nuclear capabilities.

"Let's not discuss impossible things, and let's not miss the opportunity to conclude a fair and equitable agreement that guarantees the absence of nuclear weapons. As I said, this can be achieved even in a short time," the Iranian Foreign Minister said.

He added that Tehran will expect the lifting of U.S. sanctions and also expects Iran to be allowed to continue enriching uranium for peaceful purposes. If the talks fail, Tehran is ready for war, Araqchi promised, although the conflict is likely to go beyond Iran, he said, echoing Khamenei's words.

• On January 18, 2026, Axios wrote that the U.S. military was ready on Trump's order to strike Iran, but it never came.
• On January 26, the US president said that the situation with Iran is changing, as he has sent a "great armada," but the politician believes that Tehran really wants to make a deal.
• Khamenei threatened regional war if the US launches strikes against Iran.