Abbas Araghchi said US negotiators have not demanded Tehran end its nuclear enrichment programme, contradicting statements from American officials.
Speaking on Morning Joe, he said Washington had neither sought suspension nor insisted on zero enrichment during recent negotiations. Araghchi added he would present a draft framework for a possible agreement to Washington within the next few days.
He said discussions now focus on guaranteeing Iran’s nuclear programme, including enrichment, remains peaceful permanently and verifiably. His remarks sharply contrast with repeated statements from Donald Trump, who insists Iran must not enrich uranium at any level.
The comments followed a second round of Oman-mediated talks held this week in Geneva. An earlier round took place on February 6 in Oman, marking the first engagement since talks collapsed last June.
Negotiations previously unraveled during a brief Iran-Israel war in which US forces struck Iranian nuclear facilities. On Thursday, Trump warned Washington could attack Iran again if no agreement is reached within days.
He later extended that deadline, amplifying pressure as diplomatic channels remain fragile. Washington has publicly called for zero enrichment while also pressing Iran on ballistic missiles and regional proxy groups.
Israel has urged inclusion of those issues in any comprehensive settlement. Western governments accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons capability under the guise of civilian research.
Tehran denies military ambitions and insists enrichment is its sovereign right for peaceful energy purposes. Trump has reinforced his warnings by deploying a naval “armada” to the Gulf.
The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln was sent in January, followed by the USS Gerald R. Ford. Meanwhile, Iranian naval forces staged drills near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, underscoring rising regional tension.
