Why it matters:
The remarks come amid heightened regional tensions following Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Iran's response highlights its unwillingness to tolerate Western coercion and emphasizes the country's insistence on its sovereign right to peaceful nuclear advancement and self-defense.
What he’s saying:
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Le Monde that Iran remains committed to diplomacy based on dignity and mutual respect. However, he warned that any reactivation of sanctions under the JCPOA’s snapback clause would be seen as a hostile act on par with military aggression, effectively disqualifying Europe from playing a constructive role in future talks.
Key points:
- Iran views diplomacy as a two-way street and demands U.S. accountability for past violations.
- Tehran defends its nuclear and missile programs as legal, peaceful, and essential for national sovereignty, rejecting Western pressure while remaining open to balanced, mutual diplomatic solutions.
Go deeper:
Araghchi’s remarks reflect Iran’s broader strategic messaging: Western double standards and failure to condemn Israeli and U.S. violations have undermined international norms. He called on Europe to prove its neutrality by condemning attacks on IAEA-supervised sites and avoiding coercive tactics like the snapback mechanism. Iran remains committed to peaceful nuclear development but demands respect and legal guarantees in return.
ahmad shirzadian
