Why it matters:
The statement comes amid renewed indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States in Rome. Iran is signaling both its seriousness about the talks and its red lines, particularly regarding sanctions and nuclear capabilities—issues that remain major sticking points in the long-running standoff.
What he's saying:
Gharibabadi asserted that Iran’s proposals align with national policies and the guidance of top governing institutions. He reaffirmed that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons and that all nuclear activities are strictly peaceful. He added that sanctions removal must go beyond symbolic gestures and result in real economic gain for the Iranian population.
Gharibabadi also emphasized that from Iran’s viewpoint, sanctions imposed by both U.S. Congressional legislation and presidential executive orders must be comprehensively and effectively lifted.
Key points:
- Iran insists that any lifting of sanctions must lead to real, measurable economic benefits for its people and not just symbolic or superficial changes.
- Iran reaffirms its right to enrich uranium as non-negotiable, maintaining that its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful purposes and not aimed at developing weapons.
- In the latest indirect negotiations in Rome, both sides agreed on a general framework and technical agenda, with follow-up expert-level discussions scheduled in Muscat to continue drafting core principles.
Go deeper:
This round of indirect talks between Iran and the U.S. is part of ongoing efforts to revive diplomatic engagement after the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal. However, mutual distrust, pressure from third parties like Israel, and internal political constraints in both Tehran and Washington continue to complicate progress.
ahmad shirzadian
