Iranian FM, Abbas Araghchi has once again insisted that Iran’s nuclear programme is intended solely for peaceful purposes and that Tehran has no intention of developing nuclear weapons.
Speaking at a press conference in Tehran, the Iranian foreign minister said Iran’s nuclear policy remained unchanged and was based entirely on peaceful objectives.
“Iran has never sought to build nuclear weapons,” Mr Araghchi said. “Our nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, and that remains our policy.”
He further stated that Tehran did not initiate conflict but had acted in self-defence, claiming that Iran had resisted successfully with public support and prevented the United States from achieving its objectives.
Referring to the recent period of tensions, Mr Araghchi claimed that Washington had failed to accomplish its goals despite what he described as a “40-day war”.
The Iranian foreign minister said disputes could only be resolved through negotiations, but stressed that the current issue was one of trust. He said there were strong reasons not to trust the United States, citing what he described as Washington’s changing positions.
“The Americans should understand that whatever they failed to achieve on the battlefield, they will not achieve at the negotiating table either,” he said.
Mr Araghchi added that Iran had consistently responded positively to diplomatic efforts and referred to the 2015 nuclear agreement reached with the United States and other world powers. However, he criticised the decision by the administration of Donald Trump to withdraw from the deal.
He also alleged that the United States had carried out attacks during periods of negotiations over the past year, adding that Iran had so far responded with restraint and respect.
Discussing regional maritime security, Mr Araghchi said Iran was not responsible for disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and stressed that Tehran wanted the strategic waterway to remain open. However, he warned that countries involved in actions against Iran should not expect unrestricted passage without consultation.
The Iranian foreign minister further said mediation efforts by Pakistan were facing difficulties but had not failed. He added that Iran remained committed to negotiations, provided they were conducted seriously and in good faith.
