Araghchi Urges Japan to Take Leading Safety Role in Global Nuclear Site Security

In a recent exclusive interview with Kyodo News, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addressed critical issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear program, stating that the country’s nuclear sites have been “bombarded, destroyed, and heavily damaged.” He emphasized that these attacks represent “perhaps the biggest violation of international law” committed against a safeguarded nuclear facility monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Araghchi discussed the stalled nuclear negotiations with the United States, expressing Iran’s openness to diplomacy, provided it results in a “fair and balanced” outcome. He noted, “It depends on the United States.” The discussions have reached a deadlock, primarily because the U.S., under President Donald Trump, demands that Iran completely cease its uranium enrichment activities, a request that Tehran has categorically rejected.

Here are some key points from Araghchi’s statements:

• Collaboration with Japan: Araghchi acknowledged Japan’s expertise in enhancing nuclear safety, referencing the country’s experiences with the 1945 atomic bombings and the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. He articulated the potential for Japan to share its knowledge with Iran, particularly concerning safety measures in the wake of nuclear crises.
• Focus on Technical Safety: Emphasizing that any cooperation with Japan would center on technical safety rather than inspections—an IAEA responsibility—Araghchi stated, “On the technical aspects of these safety challenges, cooperation with Japan can be very useful.”
• Safety and Security Threats: Iran is currently facing unprecedented safety and security threats, including structural damage and possible radiation leaks from the June strikes on its nuclear facilities.
• IAEA Procedural Gaps: Araghchi pointed out that there is “no precedent of a peaceful nuclear facility being bombarded,” highlighting a significant procedural gap within the IAEA regarding the inspection of such facilities.

Earlier this year, Iran and the IAEA established a framework for cooperation during discussions in Cairo, aimed at creating a workable mechanism for inspecting and stabilizing sites damaged by military actions. However, Araghchi indicated that this agreement was compromised when the U.S. and the three European signatories of the 2015 nuclear deal attempted to reinstate previous UN Security Council sanctions.

Regarding the future of nuclear negotiations with the United States, Araghchi expressed skepticism about their viability, particularly due to the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear accord and its support for recent Israeli attacks on Iran. He stated, “If they change their approach and are prepared for a fair and mutually beneficial negotiation, we are prepared as well. But negotiation is different from dictation. For the time being, we are not convinced they are ready for a real, serious negotiation.”

The 2015 nuclear deal imposed stringent limits on Iran’s enrichment capabilities in exchange for sanctions relief. Following the U.S. exit from the agreement in 2018, Iran responded by escalating its nuclear activities. Araghchi reiterated that a core issue remains Washington’s reluctance to recognize Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear technology, including uranium enrichment, under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, to which Japan is a signatory.

Tehran is willing to accept limitations on “levels of enrichment” and the types of centrifuges, according to Araghchi, who added that negotiations could advance rapidly if the U.S. adopts a reciprocal approach by recognizing Iran’s peaceful nuclear program and lifting sanctions.

In summary, the complexities surrounding Iran’s nuclear negotiations highlight significant geopolitical tensions and the need for renewed dialogue. As both sides navigate these challenges, the future of Iran’s nuclear program remains uncertain, with Araghchi’s remarks underscoring Iran’s commitment to pursuing peaceful nuclear technology while advocating for a fair negotiation process.

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