Key Metrics
10.37
Heat Index-
Impact LevelMedium
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Scope LevelRegional
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Last Update2026-02-22
Key Impacts
Negative Impacts (5)
Event Overview
The discussion highlights the diplomatic challenges in resolving Iran's nuclear program. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing Iran's right to uranium enrichment and the mistrust towards the US following Israeli airstrikes. The situation underscores the complexity of international negotiations and the need for confidence-building measures.
Collect Records
Iran's Foreign Minister Discusses Nuclear Program and Diplomacy
Iran's Foreign Minister, Araghchi, stated that diplomacy is the only way to resolve the issue of Iran's nuclear program. He dismissed the need for military deployments, saying they do not intimidate Iran. Araghchi also mentioned that Iran is working on the specifics and draft of an agreement and may meet with a U.S. envoy in Geneva on Thursday. He expressed optimism about reaching a deal with Washington soon, potentially better than the 2015 nuclear agreement.
Iran's Foreign Minister Rejects 'Zero Enrichment' in Nuclear Talks
Iran's Foreign Minister, Araghchi, stated that 'zero enrichment' is unacceptable to Iran, emphasizing that uranium enrichment is a key issue in negotiations. Iran is open to confidence-building measures but insists on the recognition of its right to enrich uranium. These comments were made following recent talks with the U.S. in Muscat, Oman.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi Questions Trust in US Following Israeli Airstrikes Ahead of Negotiations
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed uncertainty about trusting the United States in upcoming diplomatic talks after Israel launched airstrikes on Iran just days before scheduled negotiations with US officials. In an exclusive interview with NBC News on Friday, Araghchi said it was up to the Trump administration to demonstrate seriousness about negotiating a solution but suggested the US may have used talks as a cover for Israel's military action. The Israeli airstrikes occurred last week, two days before the planned sixth round of negotiations involving US and Iranian officials, with Oman as intermediaries. US officials stated that the US administration was not involved in the Israeli operation.
Araghchi described the airstrikes as "a betrayal to diplomacy" and said Iran could no longer negotiate while Israeli aggression continued. He emphasized Iran was ready to negotiate only after Israel halts its aerial attacks. Araghchi reaffirmed Iran's refusal to cease uranium enrichment, a demand made by President Trump, stating, "zero enrichment is impossible." He highlighted enrichment as a matter of national pride and the achievement of Iranian scientists, asserting that every country has the right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.
Regarding US envoy Steve Witkoff, Araghchi said he was polite and cooperative but changed his positions in multiple meetings, undermining trust. The interview took place in Geneva following Araghchi's discussions with European diplomats. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, on Thursday, relayed that President Trump would decide within two weeks whether to engage further with Iran, depending on the prospects for negotiations.