ALWAGHT- Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged the 2015 nuclear deal no longer serves Tehran's needs, stating any new agreement must safeguard Iran's interests while resolving all parties' concerns.
In a speech prepared for the Carnegie Nuclear Policy Conference, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized Iran's long-standing dedication to nuclear nonproliferation and peaceful nuclear energy. He highlighted Iran's unique religious decree against nuclear weapons and its 1974 proposal for a Middle East free of WMDs, while criticizing Western double standards regarding Israel's nuclear arsenal. Araghchi stressed that Iran's nuclear program, initiated in the 1950s, serves legitimate energy needs for its 90 million people and aligns with environmental sustainability goals.
Araghchi acknowledged the JCPOA's limitations, stating many in Iran believe it no longer meets their needs and demanding a new accord that better guarantees Iran's interests. He pointed to Iran's compliance with the 2015 deal, verified even by US intelligence, despite America's 2018 withdrawal. The minister warned against special interest groups distorting diplomacy and expressed openness to US economic collaboration, noting potential multibillion-dollar opportunities in Iran's planned nuclear energy expansion. However, he made clear Iran's security and sovereignty are non-negotiable.
The minister outlined key requirements for successful negotiations: sanctions relief focused solely on nuclear issues, equal treatment under the NPT, and mutual respect for Iran's civilizational identity. He rejected pressure tactics as counterproductive, advocating instead for diplomacy based on mutual respect and equal standing. Araghchi concluded by reaffirming Iran's readiness to help create a nuclear-free Middle East, urging all nations—especially nuclear-armed states—to fulfill their nonproliferation commitments for global security.
