'Have Every Right To Defend Ourselves': Iran Warns US But Remains Open To Diplomacy

Last Updated:February 22, 2026, 22:54 IST

Araghchi reiterated that Iran had a right to continued uranium enrichment for civilian purposes as the United States piles on pressure for a nuclear deal.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday warned that his country had every right to respond to any US attack, even though he said there was a “good chance" for a diplomatic solution amid escalating tensions.

Speaking to CBS News, Araghchi reiterated that Iran had a right to continued uranium enrichment for civilian purposes, and to strike US interests in the Middle East in response to any aggression.

“If the US attacks us, then we have every right to defend ourselves. If the US attacks us, that is the act of aggression. What we do in response is an act of self-defence," he said. “It is justified, legitimate. So our missiles cannot hit the American soil. So obviously we have to do something else. We have to hit, you know, the American base in the region."

However, Araghchi said there was a “good chance" that another round of talks with US negotiators in Geneva later this week would head off renewed military strikes based on a “win-win game". Araghchi says he will likely meet with US envoy Steve Witkoff in Geneva.

US negotiators are ready to hold another round of talks with Iran on Friday in Geneva if they receive a detailed Iranian proposal for a nuclear deal in the next 48 hours, Axios reported, citing a senior US official. This came after Iran said it would be submitting a draft proposal for an agreement.

Iran currently holds uranium enriched to 60%, near weapons grade, but is offering to down-blend it to 20% or below. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said there had been no US demand to end domestic enrichment. The main focus is on the purity of the uranium and the number of centrifuges Iran would be allowed to operate.

Araghchi said Iranian negotiators are “working on elements" of a possible nuclear deal with the US. Tehran had earlier refused to export its 300kg stockpile of highly enriched uranium but says it will lower its purity under the supervision of the Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

ALSO READ: Khamenei Planning For Assassination Scenario? Iranian Leader Appoints Longtime Loyalist As Successor

Anti-Government Slogans In Iran

Trump had repeatedly signalled an imminent strike on Iran with a massive military buildup in the region. Reports suggest that Trump is considering authorising a limited military strike on Iran to pressure Tehran into agreeing to his terms for a nuclear deal.

Meanwhile, Iranian students chanted anti-government slogans and scuffled with counter-protesters on Saturday in the latest display of anger at the country’s clerical leaders. The gatherings at universities, which were reported by both local and diaspora media outlets, followed a mass protest movement that was met with a deadly government crackdown last month.

Videos circulating online showed protests at major campuses in Tehran and Mashhad, with demonstrators chanting slogans such as “Death to Khamenei" and “Freedom". Some voices in the crowd could also be heard urging US action. Another clip from Sharif University of Technology showed students chanting against the supreme leader as tensions flared on campus.

Amid escalating tensions, Iran has reportedly placed its armed forces on high alert, deployed missile systems near Iraq and along the Persian Gulf, and conducted military drills in preparation for a potential conflict.

(with inputs from agencies)

News world 'Have Every Right To Defend Ourselves': Iran Warns US But Remains Open To Diplomacy

Read More