A deal with the United States remains within reach as long as both sides pursue "fair and just" nuclear negotiations, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said during an interview with the CNN on Sunday.

"Unfortunately, we have lost our trust in the U.S. as a negotiating partner," he said, but described the indirect exchange of messages between Tehran and Washington via friendly regional countries as "fruitful." He added that the other side is engaging in dialogue with Iran and "taking our positions seriously."

Araghchi said Iran fully agrees with U.S. President Donald Trump's call for no nuclear weapons, and Tehran can ensure that its nuclear program will remain peaceful forever. However, in return, Iran expects the lifting of sanctions as well as respect for its right to continue nuclear enrichment for peaceful purposes, he stressed.

On questions regarding Iran's missile arsenal and the country's support for regional resistance groups, Araghchi said the focus must remain on Iran's nuclear program. "Let's not talk about impossible things," he said, "And not lose the opportunity to achieve a fair and equitable deal, which I said is achievable even in a short period of time."

In response to a question whether the two sides would engage in direct or indirect talks, Araghchi stressed that attention should be on the "substance of the negotiations" rather than their format. 

(With input from agencies)