Iran Declares Nuclear Enrichment Rights Firmly Off the Table, Araghchi Announces at Disarmament Conference
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has asserted that the nation's entitlement to pursue peaceful nuclear energy is "inherent and non-negotiable." Concurrently, he acknowledged the emergence of a "new window of opportunity" for diplomatic engagement with the United States.
In a statement delivered at the United Nations Conference on Disarmament on Tuesday, Araghchi commented shortly after wrapping up a second series of indirect talks with US representatives in Geneva.
In a staunch defense of Tehran’s nuclear agenda, Araghchi asserted that the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) unequivocally acknowledges the inalienable right of nations to develop and utilize nuclear energy.
Araghchi addressed the plenary session, asserting that the right in question is intrinsic, unwavering, and carries legal authority. He emphasized that it is not subject to political influence and cannot be suspended or arbitrarily redefined.
The foreign minister emphasized Iran’s stance that nuclear arms are “not part” of its security strategy, highlighting religious constraints and a defense policy that forbids weapons of mass destruction.
He cautioned that enduring agreements can only be realized through “mutual balanced commitments.”
Araghchi acknowledged the instrumental role played by “friendly countries in the region,” with a particular emphasis on Oman, in re-establishing a diplomatic channel.
“A fresh window of opportunity has emerged,” he stated, expressing optimism that the ongoing talks could result in a lasting and mutually agreed-upon resolution.
Condemning US-Israeli Actions
The address included pointed critiques directed at Western nations, with a focus on the United States over its 2018 decision to exit the JCPOA and its involvement in the June military actions against Iran.
Araghchi has characterized the assaults on Iranian nuclear infrastructure as “war crimes,” additionally accusing the United States of “colluding with a non-party to the NPT”—an allusion to Israel—against a member state.
He expressed strong disapproval of what he described as “double standards” concerning Israel’s nuclear capabilities and its military activities in the region. He argued that the lack of response from international institutions to these alleged violations indicates a “serious erosion of the global non-proliferation regime.”
The minister addressed the intricate technical challenges associated with conducting inspections in the aftermath of the 2025 military strikes.
He indicated that technical discussions were conducted on Monday with Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Araghchi highlighted that due to the attacks on safeguarded installations being “entirely unprecedented,” Iran and the Agency are collaborating to establish a “mutually agreed framework” for inspections, which considers the present condition of the sites.
In his concluding remarks, he called upon the Conference on Disarmament to break its enduring stalemate and initiate talks on a comprehensive nuclear weapons convention.
“The decision confronting us is unequivocal,” he cautioned. “We must either disarm nuclear weapons, or risk a future where they ultimately dismantle humanity.”
