Why it matters:
The address comes as Iran concludes the second round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States in Geneva, offering a rare comprehensive articulation of Tehran's position on nuclear issues, regional security, and the path forward for negotiations.
Driving the news:
Araghchi delivered a wide-ranging speech covering Iran's nuclear doctrine, criticism of U.S. policy, the Israeli regime's actions in the region, and the future of multilateral disarmament efforts.
On Nuclear Doctrine and Negotiations
"Nuclear weapons constitute the gravest threat to humanity," Araghchi stated, emphasizing that Iran "neither seeks to manufacture nor to acquire nuclear weapons, which have no place whatsoever in Iran's national security doctrine. This position is rooted in our defensive policy and reinforced by clear religious boundaries prohibiting weapons of mass destruction."
The Foreign Minister reaffirmed Iran's commitment to diplomacy, noting: "It was on the basis of this logic that Iran entered into nuclear negotiations and has continued until very today."
He announced that a "new window of opportunity has opened" following the second round of Iran-U.S. indirect talks earlier Tuesday in Geneva, expressing hope negotiations "will lead to a sustainable and negotiated solution which can serve the interest of relevant parties and the broader region."
On U.S. Policy and Military Aggression
Araghchi strongly criticized the United States for its unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA, calling it "a profound blow to trust and stability of multilateral obligations."
He condemned the June 2025 military aggression against Iran, stating it "stands in stark contradiction to basic principles of UN Charter and international law." The Foreign Minister characterized U.S. attacks on safeguarded nuclear facilities as "war crimes" with potential for "radiological release, long-term environmental contamination, and transboundary consequences."
"The failure of the Security Council and the IAEA to unequivocally condemn these attacks sets a dangerous precedent," Araghchi warned.
On the Israeli Regime
The Foreign Minister delivered sharp criticism of Israel, stating: "The Israeli regime has been committing the most atrocious crimes for the past 8 decades with full impunity. In less than 2 years, it has attacked seven countries in the region, while more than 70,000 people have been massacred in Gaza as part of its colonial genocide. There is no crime it has not committed and no red line it has not crossed."
He accused Western countries of applying double standards by ignoring Israeli nuclear capabilities while targeting Iran's peaceful program.
On IAEA Cooperation
Araghchi confirmed he held "a technical discussion with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA," addressing cooperation between Iran and the Agency. He noted that inspections of nuclear facilities subjected to attack "require a mutually agreed framework between Iran and the Agency," adding: "This is something that we are working on."
The Big Picture:
The Foreign Minister framed Iran's position within the broader context of multilateralism, arguing that "lasting agreements can only be achieved through mutual balanced commitments, and respect for the legitimate rights of nations."
He concluded with a stark warning: "The choice before us is clear: either we dismantle nuclear weapons, or they will one day dismantle us. Together, we can work to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons."
What's next:
The Conference on Disarmament continues its session, while diplomatic efforts between Iran and the U.S. proceed through Omani mediation in Geneva.
Hossein Amiri - ahmad shirzadian
