Iran’s Araqchi Signals Willingness for Respectful Engagement with U.S. in Canceled Speech

In a recent statement, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized that Iran is prepared to engage with the United States based on mutual respect and equal standing. This assertion was part of a significant address that Araqchi was scheduled to deliver at the Carnegie International Nuclear Policy Conference.

However, the conference organizers opted to alter the format to a debate, leading to the cancellation of Araqchi’s speech. The Iranian Permanent Mission to the United Nations confirmed the cancellation, also sharing the full transcript of Araqchi’s intended address.

Here are the key highlights from Araqchi’s speech:

• Iran remains committed to the principles of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), advocating for universal access to peaceful nuclear technology.
• The country opposes nuclear arms on moral and religious grounds, as expressed in a religious edict by Iran’s Supreme Leader.
• Iran has been a strong proponent of establishing a nuclear weapon-free zone in the Middle East since 1974.
• Efforts to diversify energy sources are critical for Iran’s economic resilience and environmental sustainability.
• The nation’s peaceful nuclear program has been frequently misunderstood due to politically motivated narratives.
• Despite setbacks from the U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran remains committed to diplomacy.

In his speech, Araqchi stated, “Iran has long shown that it is ready to engage with the United States on the basis of mutual respect and equal standing.” He stressed that every negotiation should be based on reasonable and fair compromise. He highlighted Iran’s commitment to honoring its obligations under the JCPOA, stating, “We have upheld our commitment in the J.C.P.O.A. never to pursue nuclear weapons.”

Additionally, Araqchi addressed two major misconceptions surrounding Iran-US diplomacy:

1. Certain groups are attempting to manipulate the diplomatic process, claiming that a new deal would resemble the JCPOA. Araqchi clarified that many in Iran believe a new accord is necessary to ensure Iran’s interests.
2. Iran has not obstructed economic and scientific collaboration with the United States; rather, previous U.S. administrations have often hindered such opportunities.

Looking to the future, Araqchi emphasized that any potential agreement should focus on guaranteeing Iran’s economic benefits while ensuring a robust monitoring program to verify the peaceful nature of its nuclear endeavors. He asserted, “In a region as rough and volatile as ours, Iran will never put its security up for negotiation.”

He concluded by stating that respect for Iran’s cultural and historical identity is crucial for constructive engagement. “Constructive engagement, rooted in mutual respect and equal standing, is far more effective in building trust and advancing dialogue.”

In summary, Araqchi’s address underlined Iran’s readiness for diplomatic engagement with the United States, emphasizing a foundation of mutual respect and the importance of addressing misconceptions in the ongoing discourse.