TEHRAN — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated Sunday that a “just, fair, and equitable” nuclear agreement with the United States remains achievable in the short term, provided Washington abandons its policy of coercion.

In an interview with CNN, the top diplomat balanced a readiness for dialogue with a firm assertion of Iran’s defensive might, signaling that Tehran has successfully transitioned to a position of active diplomatic leadership despite a profound erosion of trust.

Araghchi expressed direct confidence in a potential settlement, noting he was “confident that we can achieve a deal that ensures the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program.”

However, he grounded this optimism in a sober reality, stating, “Unfortunately, we have lost our trust [in] the U.S. as a negotiating partner.”

The diplomatic overture arrives alongside a stern warning from the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

Ayatollah Khamenei cautioned on Sunday that any U.S. aggression would ignite a conflagration far beyond Iran’s borders. “The Americans should know that if they initiate a war, this time it will be a regional war,” he declared.

Araghchi echoed this sentiment, noting, “So I’m not concerned about war; what I’m concerned about is miscalculation.”

He specifically warned that certain “elements and parties” are attempting to manipulate President Trump into a conflict for their own interests, though he expressed hope the U.S. President would be “wise enough to make a correct decision” to avoid a “disaster for everyone.”

Supporting this dual-track strategy, Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, confirmed that a “structure for negotiations is progressing” despite Western psychological warfare.

Araghchi noted that Iran’s armed forces are more prepared than ever, having refined their capabilities following the June “12-day war.”

He clarified that recent domestic unrest between January 8–10 was a foreign-directed “conspiracy” aimed at inciting U.S. intervention—a plot he said was successfully neutralized, with the government recognizing over 3,000 killed and approximately 2,500 victims as martyrs.

The Foreign Minister also said that a diplomatic breakthrough would unlock immense economic opportunities, noting that Tehran has “no problem” with American companies, such as Boeing, entering Iran’s energy and transport sectors once illegal sanctions are lifted.

Tehran maintains that while the door to a “dignified and honorable” dialogue remains open, it will never negotiate under the shadow of military intimidation, as the “substance of negotiations” must focus on mutual respect rather than coercion.