Why it matters:
Araghchi’s remarks highlight Tehran’s firm stance on its right to peaceful nuclear technology, a central issue in Iran’s foreign policy and talks with world powers.
What he’s saying:
Speaking during a ceremony to renew allegiance to the ideals of Imam Khomeini, Araghchi stated:
“Saying we must not enrich uranium is itself an act of domination. Why shouldn't we? This is unacceptable to the Iranian nation.”
He emphasized that nuclear energy is a legitimate and non-negotiable right of the Iranian people.
Araghchi added that Iran has always been a standard-bearer in rejecting nuclear weapons, while also accusing Western powers of failing to uphold their obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
He further explained that Iran's foreign policy, deeply rooted in Imam Khomeini's doctrine of rejecting both Eastern and Western dominance, forms the foundation of its resistance against pressures on its nuclear program.
“Our nuclear policy follows the architecture laid by the late Imam. The entire movement of the Islamic Republic is built on rejecting foreign domination.”
Key points:
- Iran’s Foreign Minister strongly reasserted the country's right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes, framing any opposition to this as foreign domination, which contradicts Iran’s revolutionary and constitutional principles.
- Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s foreign policy, especially in the nuclear arena, continues to follow the foundational doctrine of "No East, No West" and rejection of foreign domination, rooted in the legacy of Imam Khomeini.
Go deeper:
As a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran insists its nuclear activities are solely for peaceful purposes such as energy production and medical use.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has conducted extensive inspections confirming no diversion toward weapons, and the 2015 JCPOA agreement introduced strict transparency measures.
ahmad shirzadian
