Summary
Highlights
Iran's Foreign Minister discusses the unprecedented strains on global security, including escalating conflicts, erosion of international law, and the renewed reliance on nuclear weapons. He states that nuclear weapons pose the gravest threat to humanity, with over 12,000 warheads remaining on high alert, and criticizes doctrines contemplating their first use, which contradict disarmament obligations under the NPT.
Iran consistently pursues a strategy for peaceful nuclear energy, affirming it neither seeks to manufacture nor acquire nuclear weapons, aligning with its defense policy and religious prohibitions on WMDs. The Foreign Minister emphasizes the inalienable right of all state parties under the NPT to develop and use nuclear energy, including enrichment for peaceful purposes, stating this right is non-negotiable and not conditional on political considerations.
The Foreign Minister criticizes the US withdrawal from the JCPOA, calling it a violation of an internationally endorsed agreement that undermined trust and stability, imposing economic and humanitarian consequences on Iran. He also condemns military aggression against Iran during negotiations and alleges that attacks on safeguarded nuclear facilities constitute war crimes, setting a dangerous precedent due to the Security Council and IAEA's failure to condemn them.
Iran's Foreign Minister accuses Western states, especially the US, of selective condemnation and double standards by ignoring threats from the Israeli regime's nuclear capabilities while portraying Iran's peaceful program as a threat. He highlights the Israeli regime's alleged atrocities and attacks in the region, criticizing the US and some European states for imposing unlawful sanctions, military threats, and deploying forces, which he views as violations of the UN Charter.
Iran maintains its commitment to cooperation with the IAEA within its legal obligations, emphasizing its status as a founding member and active participant in extensive verification measures. He stresses that cooperation must be technical, impartial, and free from political pressure. The Foreign Minister noted a recent discussion with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to address inspection modalities for facilities attacked and mentioned a second round of negotiations with the US in Geneva, aiming for a sustainable, negotiated solution.
Iran insists that any sustainable agreement must recognize its legitimate rights, deliver tangible benefits, and be safeguarded against unilateral actions. The Foreign Minister reiterates Iran's preparedness to defend itself against aggression, warning that consequences of any attack will not be confined to its borders. He calls for the Conference on Disarmament to overcome paralysis and negotiate a comprehensive nuclear weapons convention, advocating for a world free of nuclear weapons.