Iran’s Foreign Minister Declares Commitment to Enrichment Activities ‘With or Without a Deal’
In a significant statement regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized that Iran will persist with its uranium enrichment activities as part of its civilian nuclear program, irrespective of the outcome of negotiations with the United States. This declaration underscores Iran’s commitment to its rights as a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Araqchi made these remarks in a recent post on his X account, asserting that Iran’s entitlement to pursue enrichment is “crystal clear” and that there will be no scenario in which Iranians will permit deviance from that. He highlighted the importance of mastering enrichment technology, describing it as a significant achievement borne out of immense sacrifice.
Key points from Araqchi’s statements include:
- Continuous Enrichment: Iran will continue its uranium enrichment activities regardless of any potential agreements.
- Negotiation Willingness: Araqchi indicated that if the U.S. is genuinely interested in preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a deal can be reached. He stated, “We are ready for a serious conversation to achieve a solution.”
- Response to U.S. Claims: He dismissed comments from U.S. negotiator Steve Witkoff, who stated that Washington would not permit Iran to have even a one-percent enrichment capability.
- Private vs. Public Negotiations: Araqchi criticized the discrepancies between public and private statements from U.S. negotiators, noting that Iran prefers to avoid public negotiations.
Furthermore, Araqchi remarked, “Our U.S. interlocutors are naturally free to publicly state whatever they deem fit to ward off special interest groups; malign actors which set the agendas of at least previous administrations.” He reiterated that Iran’s focus remains on its own actions, emphasizing the need for clarity in negotiations.
In recent months, Tehran and Washington have engaged in four rounds of negotiations mediated by Oman, focusing on Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of U.S. sanctions. The outcome of these discussions remains to be seen, but Araqchi’s statements signal Iran’s firm stance on its nuclear rights.
