Why it matters:
Araghchi’s remarks reflect Iran’s official position on its nuclear program at a time of continued international debate over enrichment, underscoring Tehran’s framing of the issue as one of sovereignty rather than negotiation leverage.
The big picture:
The two-day congress brings together senior officials, diplomats, and academic experts to examine Iran’s historical relations with other countries and the international system. Participants include Abbas Araghchi, Kamal Kharazi, head of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, former foreign minister Ali-Akbar Salehi, as well as diplomats and university scholars discussing the evolution of Iran’s foreign policy and its strategic outlook.
What he's saying:
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said:
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has paid a very heavy price for having a peaceful nuclear program and for enrichment.”
“Because no one has the right to tell us what we should have and what we should not have.”
“Enrichment is important, but more important is for the Islamic Republic of Iran to prove that it takes orders from no one and accepts domination from no one.”
Araghchi said access to nuclear energy and enrichment is among the country’s necessities and serves needs in sectors including agriculture and healthcare.
He described enrichment as essential for Iran’s future nuclear fuel supply and nuclear power plants.
He said Iran is ready to address concerns and answer questions regarding its peaceful nuclear program, but rejects external dictates over its nuclear capabilities.
Go deeper:
Araghchi framed enrichment within a broader narrative of independence and dignity, arguing that Iran’s nuclear policy has been shaped by years of insisting on what officials describe as national rights, while maintaining that Tehran is prepared to clarify any ambiguities surrounding the objectives of its peaceful nuclear program.
M.Majdi - Mahboubeh Habibi
