Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared on Saturday that uranium enrichment is a fundamental right and necessity for Iran, rejecting any external pressure to cease the process.
Speaking during a press conference at the mausoleum of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in Tehran, Araghchi underscored that uranium enrichment has long been a central issue in both past and current nuclear negotiations.
“It is unacceptable to be told we cannot enrich uranium due to others’ concerns,” he said. “Such demands undermine our sovereignty. No Iranian will accept a position that implies submission to foreign dominance.”
He clarified that while Iran insists on its right to enrich uranium, it has no intention of pursuing nuclear weapons. “If the concern is about nuclear arms, let me be absolutely clear—Iran does not and will not seek nuclear weapons. We have always opposed them, and this stance remains unchanged,” Araghchi stated.
He criticized the failure of nuclear-armed states to uphold their responsibilities under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), particularly in regard to disarmament. “If they are truly committed to a world without nuclear weapons, they must fulfill their NPT obligations. So far, they have not,” he added.
Araghchi reaffirmed that Iran’s nuclear activities are intended solely for peaceful purposes and are in full compliance with international law. He emphasized that this right must not be compromised by the political motives of other nations. He further described Iran’s nuclear policy as being shaped by a commitment to future generations and adherence to legal principles.
His comments came amid five rounds of indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States. Mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi, the discussions occurred on April 12, 19, and 26 and May 11 and 23. The first and third sessions were held in Muscat, Oman, and the second in Rome, Italy. Araghchi headed the Iranian delegation, while the U.S. team was led by Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs Steve Witkoff.
