Iranian foreign minister says "we have every right to enjoy a peaceful nuclear energy, including enrichment" [View all]

Source: CBS News

Updated on: February 22, 2026 / 2:20 PM EST / CBS News


Washington — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday that Iran has "every right to enjoy a peaceful nuclear energy, including enrichment" as the U.S. pushes for a deal on its nuclear program.

Negotiators for the U.S. and Iran met last week in Geneva, where both sides said progress was made. President Trump said on Friday, amid a massive military buildup in the region, that he's considering a limited military strike on Iran, after warning that Tehran had a matter of days to reach a deal on its nuclear program, or "bad things" would happen.

Araghchi announced Sunday on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" the two sides will come together again Thursday in Geneva. He said that the only way to find a resolution for Iran's nuclear program is through diplomacy, while stressing that a solution is within reach. "So there is no need for any military buildup, and military buildup cannot help it and cannot pressurize us," he said.

The Iranian foreign minister, who helped negotiate the 2015 nuclear deal under the Obama administration, said the Iranians are still working on a draft proposal for Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East. Araghchi said that when the two sides meet again Thursday, "we can work on those elements and prepare a good text and come to a fast deal."

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/iranian-foreign-minister-abbas-araghchi-nuclear-enrichment-us-geneva/